Belonolaimus longicaudatus Sting nematode Damage.  Even small populations of Belonolaimus longicaudatuscan cause serious damage because of a powerful toxic chemical injected into the roots during feeding. Biology.  Adult sting nematodes can reach lengths greater than 3 mm, making them one of the largest plant-parasitic nematodes. Sting nematodes do not enter plant roots- all life stages remain in the soil, feeding at or near root tips Ecology.  Typically only found in sandy soil environments, B. longicaudatus is found primarily in the sandy coastal plains of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but also occurs naturally in sandy areas of some Midwestern plains states. Symptoms.  Plants damaged by sting nematodes often wilt, may be stunted and may show symptoms of nutrient deficiency. Seedlings may sprout from the soil and then cease growing altogether. Damage to other crops.  Damaged crops include vegetables (carrot, corn, crucifers, beans, potato, etc.), fruits (citrus, strawberry), agronomic crops (cotton, peanut, sorghum, soybean,), turfgrasses (Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass,) and forest crops (pine trees).  Control.  Chemical nematicides have been successful in reducing sting numbers.  Links and References.  Featured creatures- sting nematode. University of Florida.   Sting nematode.  Kansas State University