Changes in survival, mean dry weight, levels of key energy reserve compounds and respiration of non-feeding infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema carpocapsae incubated in various ratios of D2O/H2O on a shaker at 28 degrees C were determined. Patterns of deuterium distribution in trehalose, glycogen and key fatty acids of the IJs incubated in 50% (v/v) D2O/H2O were also examined. The rates of decline in mean dry weight and lipid levels of IJs incubated in D2O/H2O were proportional, while the survival times of IJs were inversely proportional, to the ratio of D2O/H2O. Deuterium was randomly and extensively incorporated into the C-H bonds of trehalose and glycogen but was barely incorporated in fatty acid moieties of the IJs. The changes in the patterns and the extents of deuterium incorporation, as well as the levels of trehalose, glycogens and fatty acids during the experimental period indicate that: (1) The lipogenesis pathway is not functioning in the Ijs. (2) Trehalose and glycogen are constantly consumed and replenished and they are mainly derived from lipids. (3) Futile cycles involving trehalose and glycogen, which enable IJs to regulate the levels of these two compounds more effectively, may exist. The results support the view that lipids are the primary energy reserve of the IJs while trehalose, glycogen and proteins can be used for energy generation, even though this is not their primary role.