The influence of nematodes on the structure of genitalia of tomicus piniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Larvae and adults of the greater pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda, were collected from geographically distinct areas of Poland and examined for mortality causing agents. Endoparasitic nematodes were found in 1535 (62%) of the adults examined. Primary pathologies caused by the nematodes were reduction in size of fat body and structural damage to the genitalia of male adults. The latter, though not a major cause of mortality, may lead to reduced fertility of the beetle.