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Abstract
Objective: To make known the presence of parasite mermithids of the spittlebug nymph in different sugarcane localities of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The nematodes were collected in sugarcane soils after observation of the emergence of the pest from the spittlebug nymphs (in situ), while some others were obtained after collecting spittlebug nymphs in the field and the pest’s emergence in the laboratory. The death of the nematodes was provoked with hot water (sterile distilled, 60 °C), and they were measured and stored in Eppendorf tubes of 1.5 mL in formaldehyde 4% and kept in refrigeration at 4 °C. Results: This report is presented as evidence of pest mermithids that emerge from the spittlebug nymph host in sugarcane crops in eight localities of the state of Veracruz. Although their identification at the species level could not be done, the length of each mermithid found was recorded, as well as its relationship with the host. Limitations on study/implications: When the presence of mermithids was verified and their location was identified in diverse localities, the opportunity of continuing with the collection of specimens was justified and their identification could be formally performed, as well as the implementation of biological control studies with the use of these native nematodes; also, the exploration of their roles in the control of nymphs from the sugarcane crop. Findings/conclusions: The presence of mermithid parasites of spittlebug nymphs in the sugarcane crop in eight localities in the mountainous region of Veracruz was verified in situ. Their emergence was classified initially on nymphs of the spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) that belong to the genera Aeneolamia and Prosapia.