Insect-associated nematodes are important neglected biocontrol agents, and accordingly, isolation and identification of the native field-collected nematodes are required to be used as a biological tool for controlling endemic insect pests. During a survey of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in various agricultural fields in Kerman region, a local insect-killing nematode was recovered from soil samples using the Galleria bait method. Morphological studies with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, as well as molecular analyses using 18S, ITS and 28S region of ribosomal DNA identified this isolates as Acrobeloides spp. The invasion, reproduction and foraging behavior of the native field-collected free living nematode were studied on two insect species. Despite the free living and parasitic behavior of this nematode, it causes infection in some insect pest’s larvae and successfully recycles. Here we will discuss about challenges for clarifying Acrobeloides and other new emerging genus of insect associated rhabditids like Oscheius as insect pathogen. Comparison among real entomopathogen group and the complicated rhabditid genera from Acrobeloides and Oscheius in term of their potential role in biocontrol is another aspect of this paper.

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