Substrate modulation, group effects and the behavioral responses of entomopathogenic nematodes to nematophagous fungi

► Nematophagous fungi (NF) are predators of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). ► Behavioral responses of EPN to NF were tested on agar plates and in sand assays. ► EPN were either attracted, repelled, or neutral to activated NF in choice tests. ► EPN responses to NF were species specific and substrate dependent. ► Responses in sand are more likely to reflect those in natural soil environments.