Density-dependent effects on Steinernema glaseri (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) within an insect host.

Increasing densities of Steinernema glaseri infective juveniles (IJs) in soil affected penetration efficiency and reproduction of the nematodes in larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. The penetration efficiency and the proportion of penetrated IJs developing to adults decreased significantly with increasing numbers of IJs present in the soil and entering the hosts, respectively. The number of progeny produced/host cadaver initially increased, with the highest production being between 20.7 +/- 3.3 and 58.0 +/- 6.6 IJs established/host +/- SE and decreased at higher densities. Above 184.4 +/- 37.7 IJs established/host, no progeny emerged from the cadavers.