Parasitic nematodes

6846.      Found two of these worm-like guys on a kiwi tree May 25 in Gibsons, BC. At least 5 inches long and VERY skinny. The landscaper trimming the tree had never seen anything like it. Gibsons, BC. Canada

Number 6846. My best guess is that these may be parasitic nematodes in the family Mermethidae. These parasitize a wide variety of invertebrates, mainly insects and spiders. These usually are found in water, as they appear to cause their unwilling hosts to seek out water before they die, and the nematode then emerged from the dying host. However, there are some species that will crawl up on vegetation to lay their eggs where those may then be eaten by potential hosts.