Host cues induce egg hatching and pre-parasitic foraging behaviour in the mosquito parasitic nematode, Strelkovimermis spiculatus

► Culex pipiens larvae induce diapause egg hatching for the nematode, Strelkovimermis spiculatus. ► Second instars of host larvae are most effective in inducing nematode egg hatching. ► The combination of larval water and vibration induces more nematode egg hatching. ► Synchrony with host peak and stage might be a selective adaptation of the nematode. ► Pre-parasitic nematode uses chemical cues only for host finding.