Family Diploscapteridae

                                 Revised 01/13/26

Classification:

Phylum Nematoda

Chromadorea
       Rhabditida
        Rhabditina 
         Rhabditoidea
          Diploscapteridae Micoletzky, 1922

• Lip region modified into labial hooks on dorsal and ventral lips; lateral lips with membranous structures.
• Cuticle striated
• Amphid aperttures pore-like
• Stoma rhabditoid, tubular
• Female diovarial
• Male with peloderan bursa
• Female tail conoid, male tail short.

Key to genera of Diploscapteridae (from Andrassy, 2005).

1. Each labial hook with a short spine close to mouth opening; stoma cylinder width about 30% of body diameter at the same level        Carinoscapter Siddiqi, 1998
2. Labial hooks without spines.  Stoma cylinder 20-25% as wide as corresponding body diameter                                                         Diploscapter Cobb, 1913

Bacterivores; hooks on lips may rasp bacteria from surfaces and provide currents to sweep bacteria towards mouth.

    Go To Dictionary of Terminology 

References

Andrassy, I. 2005. Free-living nematodes of Hungary Vol I.  Hungarian Natural History Museum.

Go to Diploscapteridae Menu

Return to Rhabditida Menu

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