New record of Hexamermis dactylocercus Poinar Jr. and Linares (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing red hairy caterpillar, Amsacta albistriga (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) from India

Natural parasitism of the red hairy caterpillar, Amsacta albistriga (Walker) by a mermithid nematode, Hexamermis dactylocercus Poinar Jr. and Linares is reported for the first time. Higher parasitisation by H. dactylocercus was recorded during epidemic outbreak of A. albistriga during 2007 (28.5%) and in 2008 (6.5%) when the pest incidence was relatively lower due to late onset of monsoon. The mermithid activity was associated with high rainfall in both the years. Seasonal dynamics of H. dactylocercus is discussed.