Family Diphtherophoridae

Revised 08/03/20

Classification:

Enoplea
    Triplonchida
    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

Photo by Tornel and Schumacher

Probably fungal feeders on more complex fungal structures.

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