ABSTRACT
Heteroderinae Filipjev and Schuurmans Stekhoven, sensu Luc et al 1988, are of worldwide concern because they include some of the most important nematode pathogens of agriculture, the cyst nematodes. The basic life history is consistent within Heteroderinae, including molts and juvenile stages plus adults. The first and part of the second stage occur within the egg, and the emerging infective second-stage juvenile establishes a sedentary feeding site in a host where the final molts occur. Males of amphimitic species are apparently attracted to pheromones which may occur in exudates secreted through the vulva of females often into a clear gelatinous matrix. Although the entire life cycle of a heteroderine may be completed in less than 30 days, generation time varies with the heteroderine species and is greatly affected by environmental conditions. The specialized morphology of Heteroderinae reflects a complex life history including sedentary parasitism. The morphology is varied, accommodating diverse adaptations to a wide range of hosts and habitats.
