Family Diphtherophoridae

                                 Revised 01/12/26

Classification:

Phylum Nematoda

Enoplea
    Triplonchida

Diphtherophorina
    Diphtherophoroidea

Diphtherophoridae Micolatzky, 1922

Etymology - name derived from the Greek, diphthera (a membrane) and phero (to bear).  Refers to the loose or swollen cuticle seen in the superfamily Diphtherophoroidea

Morphology and Anatomy:

• Nematodes 0.3 to 1.2 mm long; cuticle thick or swollen, smooth.
• Onchiostyle complex with separate ventral and dorsal portions and withasymmetrical enlargements at the base.
• Esophagus ending in a pyriform posterior swelling.
• Female diovarial, amphidelphic.
• Male monorchic
• Male spicules in a spicular pouch
• Tail short, c' usually <= 1
• Probably fungal feeders on more complex fungal structures.

Photo by Tornel and Schumacher

    Go To Dictionary of Terminology 

References

Return to Diphtherophoridae Menu

Return to Nemaplex Main Menu

 Want more information about nematodes? Go to Nemaplex Main Menu.