Pathophysiological influences of the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora complex on seventh-instar larvae of Galleria mellonella: Effect on silk production

Oral introduction of invasive juveniles of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora results in an inhibition of silk production by seventh-instar larvae of Galleria mellonella. The inhibition can be duplicated by intrahemocoelic injection of its bacterial associate alone. The inhibition varies directly with dose and is correlated with a progressive increase in hemolymph bacterial titer.