Xenorhabdus spp., which belong to a unique genus of bacteria, are symbiotically associated with entomopathogenic
nematodes Steinernema spp., and are carried in the intestine of the infective juvenile stage of nematodes.
The infective juvenile penetrates an insect host and releases the bacteria into the insect hemocoel. The bacteria
multiply rapidly and produce various metabolites that can overcome the insect immune system7, kill the insect
and inhibit the growth of various fungal and bacterial competitors8–10. Such bacterial symbionts can prevent
putrefaction of the insect cadaver and establish conditions favor the development of both the nematode and
bacterial symbionts11.