None or none visible spiral circle Large amphid Oval with curved structure around anterior margins extending backwards as two projections Incomplete or overlapping circle pocket Pocket with two stout setae donut Single open looped spiral Longitudinally oval donut Large, elongated, ventrally wound loop Single open looped spiral on plaque Longitudinally oval donut on plaque Horse shoe shaped Closed loop Ventrally wound, looped or circular in outline Equal sided rounded loop loop with parallel side Elongated symmetrical loop equal sided loop with parallel side with spur like cuticular thickening between the limbs of the amphid unequal, long, loop longitudinal slit sinusoidal Transversely oval loop Transversely oval Kidney shaped transverse slit, can be oval none visible fine, lightweight striation fine striation, often brown coarse striation, sometimes appearing annular regular punctations Mostly regular punctations with some lateral differentiation of irregularly enlarged punctations which may vary throughout body length Regularly punctated cuticle, lateral differentiation absent but cuticle heterogeneous e.g. punctations larger anteriorly regular punctations with lateral differentiation of punctations which initially look like longitudinal lines and are constant throughout body length (homogeneous) regular punctations with lateral differentiation of punctations which initially look like longitudinal lines and which may vary throughout body length (heterogeneous) striated/annular cuticle marked with longitudinal rows of structures complex, heterogeneous with large hexagonal or ovoid punctations usually prominent at least in anterior part of body With rows of pegs or spines Annular with fine longitudinal striations Annular without desmen Annular with desmen Smooth except for constricted zone between the cephalic setae and the amphid Small unarmed cavity unarmed cavity Unarmed buccal cavity, lips hyaline and extended anteriorly Large, unarmed buccal cavity Double buccal cavity Buccal cavity small, narrow Grooved mouth buccal cavity subterminal, Small unarmed cavity Elongated, tubular and cuticularised Unarmed cuticularised cylinder Cavity with partial or complete cuticularised lining cavity with transverse cuticularised rings None Small buccal cavity surrounded by a cuticular ring with dorsal and smaller ventral pegs Three lightly cuticularised teeth Three tooth-like processes Buccal cavity in several sections with small subventral teeth in posterior sections Buccal cavity generally large, in two sections, with deeply incised lips Large cylindrical cavity with dorsal tooth Buccal cavity large and tubular divided into 2 sections with rows of teeth both between them and also anteriorly Cavity with stylet like tooth, not always easy to detect cavity with axial spear Three onchia are elongated and wrapped around one another to form an axial spear-like structure, three mandibles are rather reduced strongly developed head capsule with hollow ventral tropis which resembles a hollow tooth - buccal cavity narrow, conical - dorsal wall of buccal cavity is well cuticularised and in optical section may also resemble a large hollow tooth - dorsal tooth usually present Two sub ventral onchia and dorsal tooth Small, narrow, buccal cavity with weakly developed dorsal tooth Armed with well developed cuticularised, dorsal tooth, subventral teeth much smaller Long, spear-like tooth which is heavily cuticularised Buccal cavity with a dorsal s-shaped tooth and numerous rounded denticles Small cavity armed with 3 small solid teeth, dorsal tooth clearly larger than subventral teeth Small cavity armed with 3 equal small solid teeth Small cavity armed with 3 small solid teeth, dorsal tooth slightly larger than subventral teeth Large dorsal tooth and two large subventral teeth Massive dorsal tooth Small cavity armed with single solid dorsal tooth Small cavity armed with large, pointed, solid dorsal tooth, smaller subventral teeth and rows of denticles Small cavity armed with large solid dorsal tooth, rectangular in shape, smaller subventral teeth and rows of denticles Three large teeth, two subventral teeth as large or nearly as large as dorsal tooth Three solid teeth with bilobed rounded bases and apophyses which project backwards into the oesophageal lumen Small buccal cavity with weakly developed dorsal tooth Wide buccal cavity armed with triangular, hollow dorsal tooth and two small subventral teeth Small buccal cavity with forward pointing hollow dorsal tooth and smaller subventral ridges rather than teeth Small cavity armed with hollow dorsal tooth and smaller subventral teeth Buccal cavity with large, hollow, cuticularised, s-shaped tooth and distinct dorsal apophysis Small cavity armed with large, pointed, solid dorsal tooth, smaller subventral teeth but no denticles Buccal cavity anteriorly folded, often appearing as cuticularised rugae, teeth absent Buccal cavity anteriorly folded, often appearing as cuticularised rugae, weakly developed hollow, dorsal tooth and sometimes small, subventral teeth Cavity with three small pointed triangular teeth at anterior end Small buccal cavity with large, forward pointing hollow dorsal tooth and smaller subventral ridges rather than teeth Buccal cavity anteriorly folded, often appearing as cuticularised rugae, more posteriorly with a distinct, hollow, dorsal tooth and sometimes small, subventral teeth Cavity cylindrical with 3 conspicuous pointed teeth Spherical buccal cavity with strong dorsal tooth and weakly cuticularised rounded subventral teeth Heavily cuticularised large buccal cavity Solid mandibles with claw-like anterior, lips high, striated Solid mandibles with claw-like anterior, lips high, unstriated Three hollow mandibles, three teeth not extending anterior to mandibular bar, lips high, labial sensilla setiform Mandibles broad, appearing as two longitudinal rods with a clear sheet of cuticle between Two large subventral teeth extending to anterior bar of mandibles, dorsal tooth reduced Cavity with three small mandibles and three onchia low lips with papilliform labial sense organs, solid mandibles, no onchia Cavity with moveable mandibles Buccal cavity divided into an anterior cup shaped section supported by strongly developed buccal rugae and a narrower posterior tubular section supported by longitudinal cuticular rods. Teeth between these two sections of the buccal cavity appear as row Buccal cavity divided into an anterior cup shaped section supported by strongly developed buccal rugae and a narrower posterior tubular section supported by longitudinal cuticular rods. Teeth of various kinds are present between these two sections of the buccal cavity Buccal cavity divided into an anterior cup shaped section supported by strongly developed buccal rugae and a narrower posterior tubular section supported by longitudinal cuticular rods. Teeth of various kinds are present between these two sections of the buccal cavity. Cuticular lining of anterior section has fine longitudinal striations Female buccal cavity tubular divided by a fine suture confluent with a conspicuous, wide, heavily cuticularised oesophageal lumen which extends posterior to the nerve ring, three slender teeth with one larger than the others and this one may protrude some distance out of the buccal cavity Long, tubular, cuticularised and with three small solid anterior teeth Cuticularised large double conical or conico-cylindrical shaped cavity, unarmed Cuticularised large double conical or conico-cylindrical shaped cavity, clearly armed with anterior teeth or odontia Large buccal cavity with 6 eversible jointed odontia Cavity cylindrical with solid teeth Cavity conical with 3 teeth usually large buccal cavity with three teeth, subventral teeth equal but larger than dorsal tooth large buccal cavity with three teeth, right subventral tooth large large buccal cavity with three teeth, left subventral tooth large large buccal cavity with three teeth, right subventral tooth large, cavity divided into two or more chambers transverse cuticular rings large buccal cavity with band(s) of denticles with three teeth, right subventral tooth large Buccal cavity with band of denticles, large right subventral tooth only large buccal cavity with three teeth, right subventral tooth large and solid, buccal cavity divided transversely by cuticularised band Large buccal cavity with one dorsal and two subventral teeth plus two anterior pointed triangular plates, small anterior teeth, and rounded teeth at the base of the cavity Rounded Long conical Short conical Long conical, with pointed tip (spinneret) Short and rounded with a pointed terminal spike Conico-cylindrical with swollen tip (clavate) medium cylindrical Long cylindrical filiform elongated short cyclindrical three or more teeth - amphid large, circular - cuticle with longitudinal rows present or absent - spicules proximally expanded - gubernaculum indistinct, lateral to spicules - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 2.5 puctated cuticle with lateral differentiation (usually) - sublateral cuticle pores present - buccal cavity with large forward-pointing dorsal tooth - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - multi-spiral amphid - oesophageal bulb present - tail conical - lateral row of tail punctuations absent - similar to Comesa except: 20 precloacal supplements - L = 0.9 - 1 S or epsilon shaped body - four rows of ventral ambulatory setae in middle of body - four cephalic setae - 6 - 8 subcephalic setae - similar to Epsilonema except: large medio-dorsal thorns just anterior to ventral body curvature - L = 0.3 - 0.5 similar to Deontolaimus except: males with 50 - 55 oesophageal supplements - 8 tubular precloacal supplements - teeth absent - L = 0.8 - 1 heavy dorsal thorns on first 15 body annules posterior to rostrum - similar to Glochinema except: large ambulatory setae in five rows - L = 0.4 - 0.5 Head with lip region set-off - otherwise similar to Ethmolaimus: large dorsal tooth plus two large subventral teeth - amphid a single turn - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - somatic and anterior cephalic setae may be elongated - L = 0.5 - 0.7 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - oesophageal bulb well developed with thick cuticular lining - similar to Metachromadora except: prominent external labial papillae - 3-4 papilliform precloacal supplements - L = 1 - 1.5 S or epsilon -shaped body - four cephalic setae - similar to Epsilonema except: ambulatory setae in 5 - 6 rows in middle of body - 6 out of the 8 subcephalic setae situated in front of the amphid - L = 0.2 - 0.5 heavy dorsal thorns on first 15 body annules posterior to rostrum - similar to Glochinema except: only one body curvature - large ambulatory setae asymmetrically arranged over posterior half of body - L = 0.9 - 1.0 buccal cavity with hollow teeth - cuticle heterogeneous with lateral differentiation - amphid a circular loop - L = 1.1 - 1.2 slender body - labial sensilla minute - relatively long anterior and posterior cephalic setae - poorly developed buccal cavity - L = 1- 1.5 slender body - labial sensilla minute - relatively long anterior and posterior cephalic setae - poorly developed buccal cavity - L = 1- 1.5 series of mid-oesophageal bulbs - cuticle only faintly striated - L = 1.2 - 1.6 similar to Microlaimus except: cuticle with transverse rows of spines - large oval oesophageal bulb - posterior testis reduced precloacal supplements tubular, anterior-most larger - gubernaculum simple - L = 1 to 2 similar to Desmodora except: very long head capsule with several plates - L = 1 to 3 similar to Desmodora except: very long head capsule with several plates - L = 1 to 3 similar to Desmodora except: oesophageal bulb very long, almost half as long as oesophagus - L = 1 to 3 similar to Desmodora except: oesophageal bulb very long, almost half as long as oesophagus - L = 1 to 3 four cephalic setae and four subcephalic setae - lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of dots - spicule with ventral projection near tip - minute precloacal supplements - L = 1.3 to 4 amphid conspicuous - cuticle heterogeneous with lateral differentiation beginning at the end of the oesophagus - L = 0.5 to 1.5 similar to Viscosia except: spicules long - gubernaculum present or absent - demanian system present in female - L = 2 to 7 similar to Viscosia except: spicules long - gubernaculum present or absent - demanian system present in female - L = 2 to 7 buccal cavity long and narrow - amphid circular - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity absent - fine longitudinal striations on body annules - precloacal supplements absent - L = 1 to 1.3 10 or more cephalic setae - amphid large and bladder-like - long somatic setae - tail conical, without terminal setae - L = 0.5 to 1 labial sensilla setiform - amphid large with internal cuticularised opening - buccal cavity has a posterior section with three pharyngeal tubes - cuticle light brown - L = 1.5 -2 buccal cavity deep, conical - spicules short - L = 0.5 buccal cavity deep, conical - spicules short - L = 0.5 body tapered anteriorly - head set off anterior to cephalic setae - external labial sensilla setiform - four very long cephalic setae - buccal cavity cup shaped, unarmed - amphid transverse oval - precloacal supplements present - L = 1.4 buccal cavity large - teeth absent - copulatory bursa around cloaca - postcloacal spine - L = 1 to 3 buccal cavity large - teeth absent - copulatory bursa around cloaca - postcloacal spine - L = 1 to 3 buccal cavity small - row of lateral cervical setae - precloacal supplement - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity small - row of lateral cervical setae - precloacal supplement - L = 1 to 4 similar to Anticoma except: gubernaculum and precloacal supplement absent - L = 1 to 3 similar to Anticoma except: gubernaculum and precloacal supplement absent - L = 1 to 3 amphid spiral - cephalic setae papilliform - L = 2 to 7 amphid spiral - cephalic setae papilliform - L = 2 to 7 amphids an elongated loop - 3 to 10 tubular precloacal supplements - L = 0.5 to 1.5 similar to Synodontium except: amphids indistinct - female didelphic - L = 2 to 3 similar to Synodontium except: amphids indistinct - female didelphic - L = 2 to 3 similar to Synonema except: dorsal and subventral teeth curved, subequal - spicules elongate - L = 1.7 to 2.2 similar to Molgolaimus except: gubernaculum with caudal apophysis - ovaries reflexed - L = 0.6 to 0.7 buccal cavity narrow, conical - amphid a rounded loop - oesophagus with a bulbous swelling midway - ocellus present, but may be lost on fixation - L = 1 to 3 buccal cavity narrow, conical - amphid a rounded loop - oesophagus with a bulbous swelling midway - ocellus present, but may be lost on fixation - L = 1 to 3 description of taxa amphid a rounded loop - tail slightly swollen at the posterior end - L = 2 to 6 stoma and buccal cavity absent - no lips or papillae - gut without lumen, with symbiotic prokaryotes - amphid circular - 0 + 6 + 4 cephalic setae - paired outstretched ovaries - single testis - L = 6 to 16 - stoma and buccal cavity absent - no lips or papillae - gut without lumen, with symbiotic prokaryotes - amphid circular - 0 + 6 + 4 cephalic setae - paired outstretched ovaries - single testis - L = 6 to 16 - similar to Chromadora except: amphid more circular - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity double-conical - amphid an elongated loop - female didelphic - L = 1 to 2 similar to Epsilonema except: six rows of ventral ambulatory setae, all anterior to the vulva in the female - 8 subcephalic setae - L = 0.3 to 0.5 buccal cavity with band of denticles - large right subventral tooth only - two tubular precloacal supplements - tail conico-cylindrical - caudal glands absent - L = 7 to 11 buccal cavity with band of denticles - large right subventral tooth only - two tubular precloacal supplements - tail conico-cylindrical - caudal glands absent - L = 7 to 11 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 jointed cephalic setae - amphid a rounded spiral - buccal cavity in two sections - large gubernaculum - L = 1.5 to 2 7 to 10 oesophageal bulbs - winged precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 3 head not set off - pharyngeal bulb present - L = 1 to 2 similar to Meylia except: each body annule with a transverse row of spines - ovaries reflexed - L = 0.6 to 1.4 no setae but scale-like spines especially developed on tail - L = 0.2 to 0.3 cervical region elongated, with conspicuous stout setae - amphid in male smaller than in female and has rod-like corpus gelatum - coarse ventral striations anterior to cloaca - L = 0.5 to 2 cervical region elongated, with conspicuous stout setae - amphid in male smaller than in female and has rod-like corpus gelatum - coarse ventral striations anterior to cloaca - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity sexually dimorphic, female divided into two chambers, male absent - female oesophagus with dilated cuticularised lumen - tail long or short - precloacal papillae present - L = 2 to 5 buccal cavity sexually dimorphic, female divided into two chambers, male absent - female oesophagus with dilated cuticularised lumen - tail long or short - precloacal papillae present - L = 2 to 5 buccal cavity with long stylet-like dorsal tooth, not always easy to detect - amphid spiral - precloacal supplements absent - tail-tip pointed - L = 1 to 3 buccal cavity with long stylet-like dorsal tooth, not always easy to detect - amphid spiral - precloacal supplements absent - tail-tip pointed - L = 1 to 3 buccal cavity dorsal, subterminal - ventral limb of amphid extents to tail - L = 0.5 to 1.5 four cephalic setae - subcephalic setae present - muscular pharyngeal bulb - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 -5 four cephalic setae - subcephalic setae present - muscular pharyngeal bulb - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 -5 cephalic capsule well developed - three teeth at anterior of oesophagus - excretory pore opens posterior to cervical setae - tail long - L = 4 to 5 70 to 280 wide body annules and eight longitudinal ridges - buccal cavity absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid loop shaped - two ovaries - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity small, without teeth - cervical region elongate - amphid situated at, or more than, 2 h.d. from anterior - precloacal supplements absent - L = 1 to 1.5 buccal cavity vase shaped - teeth absent - male amphid an elongated groove - ventral precloacal spine - two pairs postcloacal spines - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity vase shaped - teeth absent - male amphid an elongated groove - ventral precloacal spine - two pairs postcloacal spines - L = 1 to 2 dorsal mandible reduced - prominent pharyngeal bulb - oesophageal bulb present - lateral differentiation present - cup shaped precloacal supplements - L = 1.5 to 3 buccal cavity absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - L = 1 to 2 cuticle with lateral differentiation of larger, more widely spaced, dots - cephalic sensilla all papilliform - papilliform precloacal supplements, each with a fine pore - L = 1.3 to 2.4 similar to Gammanema except: oesophageal bulb present - L = 1.5 to 2.5 similar to Gammanema except: oesophageal bulb present - L = 1.5 to 2.5 buccal cavity conical - one dorsal and two subventral solid teeth - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of dots - precloacal supplements present - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity conical - one dorsal and two subventral solid teeth - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of dots - precloacal supplements present - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity with three solid teeth - cuticle heterogeneous with lateral differentiation of two to four longitudinal rows of dots - L = 0.5 to 1.5 cuticle homogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1 cuticle homogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1 dorsal tooth hollow - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous, lateral rows absent although lateral dots are sometimes larger than the median ones - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 dorsal tooth hollow - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous, lateral rows absent although lateral dots are sometimes larger than the median ones - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity with well-developed dorsal tooth - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - oesophageal bulb only slight - tubular precloacal supplements may be present - L = 1 - 4 buccal cavity with three teeth - labial sensilla setiform - tail filiform - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with three teeth - labial sensilla setiform - tail filiform - L = 1 to 2 similar to Neotonchus except: lateral differentiation present or absent - lateral cuticle pores present - 8 to 14 precloacal supplements - lateral row of tail punctuations absent - L = 0.6 to 1.5 buccal cavity cup shaped, without teeth - four cephalic setae and four subcephalic setae - lateral differentiation absent - spicules elongate - gubernaculum without apophysis - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.5 to 5 6 + 4 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation present - gubernaculum with apophysis - precloacal supplements present - L = 2.5 to 3.5 buccal cavity absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 -2 buccal cavity absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 -2 attenuated head - amphid indistinct - cephalic capsule weak - cervical capsule absent - buccal cavity with cuticularised structures - ocellus absent - precloacal supplements absent - spicules long - L = 4 to 8 attenuated head - amphid indistinct - cephalic capsule weak - cervical capsule absent - buccal cavity with cuticularised structures - ocellus absent - precloacal supplements absent - spicules long - L = 4 to 8 buccal cavity small, surrounded by cuticularised ring with dorsal and smaller ventrical denticles - 13 to 20 tubular precloacal supplements, in two groups - L = 2 to 4 buccal cavity absent - amphid circular - oesophagus with narrow isthmus - ovaries outstretched - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity with small triangular dorsal tooth - 10 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation absent - `eyespots (may be dissolved out on preservation) - oesophageal bulb absent - precloacal supplements absent - gubernaculum dentate distally, proximally single - L = 1.5 to 3 buccal cavity large - one dorsal and two subventral teeth - precloacal supplement and subventral spines - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 23 to 30 similar to Rhabdocoma except: cervical papillae absent - 7 to 8 postcloacal papillae - female didelphic - L = 3 buccal cavity with three teeth - 10 to 14 tubular precloacal supplements - one precloacal and two postcloacal papillae - L = 2 to 4 buccal cavity conical - 10 to 14 cephalic setae in six groups - amphid circular - tail conico-cylindrical - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity conical - 10 to 14 cephalic setae in six groups - amphid circular - tail conico-cylindrical - L = 0.5 to 2 over 500 body annules - cephalic capsule elongated - L = 1 to 2 over 500 body annules - cephalic capsule elongated - L = 1 to 2 mandibles with knobbed distal end, dorsal mandible reduced - oesophageal bulb absent - setose precloacal supplements - tail long - L = 1 to 2 males with 17 to 40 oesophageal supplements - L = 0.5 to 1 males with 17 to 40 oesophageal supplements - L = 0.5 to 1 tropis absent - ocellus present (usually) or absent - L = 15 to 26 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 head set off, with conspicuous cephalic capsule - four cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - tubular precloacal supplements usually present - several subgenera - L = 1 -10 desmen absent - cuticle with warts - 190 to 270 cuticular rings - L = 0.4 to 1.2 buccal cavity with transverse cuticular rings - two median subcephalic setae - faint cuticle striations - L = 1 to 3 12 to 44 oval desmen, most with 17 - L = 0.1 to 0.5 dorsal tooth hollow - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of two longitudinal rows of dots - L = 0.5 to 1.5 dorsal tooth hollow - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of two longitudinal rows of dots - L = 0.5 to 1.5 amphid oval, on plaque - tail conico-cylindrical - L = 2 to 4 buccal cavity cylindrical - two subventral teeth - 9 to 20 tubular precloacal supplements - one precloacal papilla - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity double - tail long, conico-cylindrical - pre- and postcloacal papillae may be present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity double - tail long, conico-cylindrical - pre- and postcloacal papillae may be present or absent - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity double - amphid spiral - copulatory bursa present - L = 0.6 to 1.2 buccal cavity double - amphid spiral - copulatory bursa present - L = 0.6 to 1.2 buccal cavity double - amphid spiral - copulatory bursa present - L = 0.6 to 1.2 buccal cavity double - amphid spiral - copulatory bursa present - L = 0.6 to 1.2 buccal cavity absent - amphids on plaques - ocellus present - L = 2 to 4 buccal cavity absent - amphid loop shaped - L = 0.5 buccal cavity small or absent, terminal or subterminal - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity small or absent, terminal or subterminal - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity small or absent, terminal or subterminal - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity small or absent, terminal or subterminal - amphid on plaque (usually) - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity reduced - amphid oval - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity large with three teeth - right subventral tooth large - gubernaculum with apophysis - tail conical - L = 3 to 8 three teeth, dorsal tooth single - cephalic sensilla papilliform - tail clavate - L = 2.5 to 4.5 buccal cavity cylindrical, wide - eight subcephalic setae - L = 1 buccal cavity cylindrical with three teeth - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - cuticle with lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of dots - spicules elongate, often with a double bow shape - gubernaculum apophysis directed caudally - precloacal supplements present - L = 2 to 2.5 similar to Prochaetosoma except: amphid inconspicuous and situated at base of rostrum - ambulatory setae not adhesive - L = 0.3 to 0.6 similar to Prochaetosoma except: amphid inconspicuous and situated at base of rostrum - ambulatory setae not adhesive - L = 0.3 to 0.6 similar to Prochaetosoma except: amphid inconspicuous and situated at base of rostrum - ambulatory setae not adhesive - L = 0.3 to 0.6 similar to Prochaetosoma except: amphid inconspicuous and situated at base of rostrum - ambulatory setae not adhesive - L = 0.3 to 0.6 S shaped body - ventral ambulatory setae in posterior third of body - conspicuous U shaped amphids on the non-annulated part of head (rostrum) - bulbous oesophageal region - oesophagus with median isthmus - first 7 to 14 body annules posterior to rostrum larger than succeeding ones - L = 0.4 to 1.7 amphid not on plaque - numerous spine-like somatic setae - precloacal cuticle thickened with up to 10 fine tubules - postcloacal papillae may be present - L = 1.5 amphid not on plaque - numerous spine-like somatic setae - precloacal cuticle thickened with up to 10 fine tubules - postcloacal papillae may be present - L = 1.5 cuticle with transverse rows of small spines - amphid bladder-like with indistinct contour - precloacal supplements present - L = 0.7 to 1.5 cuticle with transverse rows of small spines - amphid bladder-like with indistinct contour - precloacal supplements present - L = 0.7 to 1.5 buccal cavity cylindrical - 4 + 4 cephalic setae - L = 1.5 to 3.5 buccal cavity strongly cuticularised, cylindrical - spicules elongated - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity strongly cuticularised, cylindrical - spicules elongated - L = 0.5 to 1 attenuated head - amphid indistinct - cephalic capsule weak - cervical capsule absent - buccal cavity with cuticularised structures - ocellus absent - similar to Crenopharynx except: spicules short - precloacal supplement present - L = 3 - 4 attenuated head - amphid indistinct - cephalic capsule weak - cervical capsule absent - buccal cavity with cuticularised structures - ocellus absent - similar to Crenopharynx except: spicules short - precloacal supplement present - L = 3 - 4 S or epsilon -shaped body - four cephalic setae - simlar to Epsilonema except: a field of many ventral ambulatory setae in middle of body - 14 - 18 subcephalic setae, 8 - 10 of which located on anterior of rostrum - L = 0.5 - 0.6. S or epsilon -shaped body - four cephalic setae - similar to Epsilonema except: a field of many ventral ambulatory setae in middle of body - 14 - 16 subcephalic setae at the posterior edge of rostrum - L = 0.5 - 0.7. buccal cavity absent - amphid circular - oesophagus with narrow isthmus - similar to Cyartonema except: ovaries reflexed - L = 1 - 1.1 amphid conspicuous - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - cuticle heterogeneous with lateral differentiation - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 lips high, striated - solid mandibles with claw-like anterior - spicules usually long - L = 2 -7 lips high, striated - solid mandibles with claw-like anterior - spicules usually long - L = 2 -7 lips high - labial sensilla setiform - cephalic setae at posterior edge of cephalic capsule - three hollow mandibles - three teeth not extending anterior to mandibular bar - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 1 to 5 lips high - labial sensilla setiform - cephalic setae at posterior edge of cephalic capsule - three hollow mandibles - three teeth not extending anterior to mandibular bar - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 1 to 5 lips high - labial sensilla setiform - cephalic setae at posterior edge of cephalic capsule - three hollow mandibles - three teeth not extending anterior to mandibular bar - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 1 to 5 lips high - labial sensilla setiform - cephalic setae at posterior edge of cephalic capsule - three hollow mandibles - three teeth not extending anterior to mandibular bar - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 1 to 5 lips low - labial sensilla papilliform - mandibles solid - teeth absent - eye-spots present or absent - precloacal supplement - L = 4 to 10 lips low - labial sensilla papilliform - mandibles solid - teeth absent - eye-spots present or absent - precloacal supplement - L = 4 to 10 mandibles broad, appearing as two longitudinal rods with a clear sheet of cuticle between - spicules long or short - L = 2 to 4 mandibles broad, appearing as two longitudinal rods with a clear sheet of cuticle between - spicules long or short - L = 2 to 4 mandibles broad, appearing as two longitudinal rods with a clear sheet of cuticle between - spicules long or short - L = 2 to 4 mandibles broad, appearing as two longitudinal rods with a clear sheet of cuticle between - spicules long or short - L = 2 to 4 Epsilon shaped body - four rows of ventral ambulatory setae in middle of body - four cephalic setae - 6 to 8 subcephalic setae - L = 0.3 to 0.5 large dorsal tooth plus two large subventral teeth - amphid a single turn - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - freshwater or brackish water habitat (usually) - somatic and anterior cephalic setae may be elongated - L = 0.4 to 1.2 buccal cavity absent - head not set off - two pairs of cervical subventral hollow spines - precloacal and postcloacal subventral hollow spines - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity with large dorsal tooth, subventral teeth and rows of denticles - four cephalic setae - cuticle heterogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - oesophageal bulb absent - precloacal supplements absent - spicules and gubernaculum with extra large L shaped lateral pieces - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity with large dorsal tooth, subventral teeth and rows of denticles - four cephalic setae - cuticle heterogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - oesophageal bulb absent - precloacal supplements absent - spicules and gubernaculum with extra large L shaped lateral pieces - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity with teeth - cuticle with longitudinal ridges - tail elongate - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with teeth - cuticle with longitudinal ridges - tail elongate - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity deep, cylindrical - 4 + (2 + 4) cephalic setae - L = 2 to 4 three teeth, right subventral tooth large - 1-5 rows of buccal denticles - two winged precloacal supplements - gubernaculum with apophysis - caudal glands present - L = 3 to 7 similar to Pontonema except: tail filiform - L = 6 to 11 large labial setae with bulbous swellings - dorsal tooth - precloacal supplements - L = 2 large labial setae with bulbous swellings - dorsal tooth - precloacal supplements - L = 2 cup shaped precloacal supplements - tail short - L = 1.5 to 4.5 buccal cavity double, teeth in posterior part - commensal on Crustacea - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity double, teeth in posterior part - commensal on Crustacea - L = 1 to 2 similar to Thalassomonhystera except: buccal cavity weakly double (usually) - spinneret at tail-tip well developed - L = 1 similar to Thalassomonhystera except: buccal cavity weakly double (usually) - spinneret at tail-tip well developed - L = 1 short stout body - cuticle faintly striated, may look smooth - four cephalic setae on peduncles - amphid round, sometimes indistinct - ovaries reflexed - L = 0.5 heavy dorsal thorns on first 15 body annules posterior to rostrum - long heavy ambulatory setae in four rows - L = 0.7 to 0.8 buccal cavity cylindrical - amphid absent - four cephalic setae - cuticle only faintly striated - female monodelphic - L = 0.4 to 0.5 buccal cavity cylindrical - amphid absent - four cephalic setae - cuticle only faintly striated - female monodelphic - L = 0.4 to 0.5 massive dorsal tooth - large posterior oesophageal bulb, one-third of oesophagus length - spicules and gubernaculum plus extra lateral pieces - 14 to 24 precloacal supplements - L = 0.8 to 1.5 lips hyaline and usually extended anteriorly - longitudinal ridges present - tail rather long - L = 1 to 2 - similar to Euchromadora except: no denticles in buccal cavity - L = 1 to 2 similar to Euchromadora except: no denticles in buccal cavity - L = 1 to 2 transverse rows of setae and spines - L = 0.2 to 0.4 similar to Greeffiella except: rows of small spines between annules - four long setae on tail tip - L = 0.2 amphid a longitudinal slit - L = 1 to 3 amphid a longitudinal slit - L = 1 to 3 anterior cephalic setae jointed - large oval structures surround large buccal cavity - amphids situated level with posterior of buccal cavity - 5 to 16 supplements in cervical region of male (usually) - 7 to 17 precloacal supplements - tail elongated - L = 2 to 3 anterior cephalic setae jointed - large oval structures surround large buccal cavity - amphids situated level with posterior of buccal cavity - 5 to 16 supplements in cervical region of male (usually) - 7 to 17 precloacal supplements - tail elongated - L = 2 to 3 similar to Leptolaimus except: tubular precloacal supplements present in cervical region - L = 1 to 2 similar to Leptolaimus except: tubular precloacal supplements present in cervical region - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity in two parts, separated by row of teeth - lateral differentiation absent - setose precloacal supplements - tail long - L = 0.5 to 2.5 buccal cavity in two parts, separated by row of teeth - lateral differentiation absent - setose precloacal supplements - tail long - L = 0.5 to 2.5 cephalic setae absent - amphid circular - mid-oesophageal bulb - precloacal supplements (usually) present - L = 0.5 to 2 fringe of tiny hairs seen only in optical section - L = 0.1 to 0.2 cuticle with lateral differentiation of irregular dots but no longitudinal rows - spicules short - L = 2 to 2.5 large S shaped hollow dorsal tooth - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of two to four longitudinal rows of dots - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 0.5 to 1.5 large S shaped hollow dorsal tooth - four cephalic setae - cuticle homogeneous with lateral differentiation of two to four longitudinal rows of dots - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 0.5 to 1.5 cuticle heterogeneous, dots larger anteriorly - lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1 cuticle heterogeneous, dots larger anteriorly - lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1 cuticle smooth, covered with sediment - amphid with elongated corpus gelatum - L = 0.5 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - eight longitudinal files of dots - precloacal supplements simple - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - eight longitudinal files of dots - precloacal supplements simple - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with three small teeth - cuticle tranversely striated - precloacal supplements minute or absent - tail elongate - L = 0.5 to 2 cuticle with 12 to 50 longitudinal rows of dots - 10 equally spaced cephalic setae - L = 1 to 2 cuticle with 12 to 50 longitudinal rows of dots - 10 equally spaced cephalic setae - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity conical - 10 cephalic setae - gubernaculum absent or indistinct - precloacal supplements absent - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity long, cylindrical - four short cephalic setae - amphids elongate - tubular precloacal supplements present or absent - tail with filiform posterior section - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity long, cylindrical - four short cephalic setae - amphids elongate - tubular precloacal supplements present or absent - tail with filiform posterior section - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity long, cylindrical - four cephalic setae - amphids circular - tubular supplements not present in cervical region - 2 to 16 precloacal supplements, may also be present in female - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity long, cylindrical - four cephalic setae - amphids circular - tubular supplements not present in cervical region - 2 to 16 precloacal supplements, may also be present in female - L = 0.5 to 1 buccal cavity absent - four cephalic setae - eight subcephalic setae - male amphids loop shaped - cuticle covered with epizoites in life, which may be lost on fixation - L = 2 to 4 precloacal supplement - two subventral rows of setae on papillae anterior to supplement - gubernaculum with apophysis - l = 9 to 18 buccal cavity absent - cephalic setae papilliform - ocellus present - L = 8 to 13 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity posteriorly heavily cuticularised with teeth and/ or plates - 10 cephalic setae - tail cylindrical - L = 2 to 10 buccal cavity minute - 10 cephalic setae - tail conico-cylindrical - L = 0.7 to 0.8 male amphid horse-shoe shaped (inset, female amphid) - L = 1 to 2 male amphid horse-shoe shaped (inset, female amphid) - L = 1 to 2 similar to Marylynnia except: buccal cavity smaller - subventral teeth absent - L = 1.5 to 3.5 body short and fat, with narrow, elongate, flexible cervical region - double oesophageal bulb - tubular precloacal supplements present or absent - stout somatic setae on peduncles - L = 0.3 to 0.4 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth and paired subventral teeth - 10 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation of larger and more widely spaced dots - oesophageal bulb absent - cup shaped precloacal supplements - gubernaculum dentate distally, paired - tail elongate - L = 1.5 to 3.5 buccal cavity without cuticular rings - labial sensilla setiform - L = 2 to 5 cephalic setae at middle or anterior of cephalic capsule - L = 2 to 5 cephalic setae at middle or anterior of cephalic capsule - L = 2 to 5 cephalic setae at middle or anterior of cephalic capsule - L = 2 to 5 cephalic setae at middle or anterior of cephalic capsule - L = 2 to 5 lips unstriated - mandibles solid - L = 2 to 6 lips unstriated - mandibles solid - L = 2 to 6 lips unstriated - mandibles solid - L = 2 to 6 lips unstriated - mandibles solid - L = 2 to 6 some species have cuticularised precloacal supplements extending almost to the oesophagus buccal cavity without teeth - 10 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements absent - L = 1 to 2 teeth reduced or absent - lateral differentiation of three to five longitudinal rows of dots - oesophageal bulb present - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 teeth reduced or absent - lateral differentiation of three to five longitudinal rows of dots - oesophageal bulb present - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 dorsal tooth - tail filiform - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 7 to 14 about 100 body annules - cuticle vacuolated beneath the longitudinal ridges - 10 cephalic setae - L = 0.5 cephalic capsule short - 10 separate cephalic setae in one circle - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity extended anteriorly - cuticle brownish - L = 0.8 to 2 buccal cavity extended anteriorly - cuticle brownish - L = 0.8 to 2 buccal cavity small - four cephalic setae - four subcephalic setae - amphid circular - posterior oesophageal bulb present - L = 2 to 4 similar to Oncholaimus except: both subventral teeth large - L = 2 to 5 similar to Oncholaimus except: both subventral teeth large - L = 2 to 5 similar to Sphaerolaimus except: buccal cavity contains six H shaped mandibles, hooked anteriorly and articulating on solid base-plates posteriorly - amphid situated posterior to buccal cavity, larger in male - L = 0.7 to 1.5 similar to Epsilonema except: only two subcephalic setae - L = 0.3 to 0.5 similar to Oncholaimus except: spicules long (usually) - gubernaculum present (usually) - L = 3 to 8 similar to Viscosia except: subventral teeth equal, dorsal tooth smaller - gubernaculum present - L = 3 -6 cuticle with longitudina rows of pegs or spines - amphid spiral - ovaries outstretched - L = 0.6 to 1.2 head set-off - cephalic capsule weak - precloacal supplement present - L = 3 to 9 head set off - six short and four long cephalic setae - amphid surrounded by cuticular striations - oval oesophageal bulb - tail conical - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity small, without teeth - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation of larger, more widely spaced, dots - tail filiform - L = 1 to 2 similar to Microlaimus except: four cephalic setae - spherical oesophageal bulb - tail conico-cylindrical - spicules may be elongated - L = 0.8 to 1.5 description of taxa cuticle with longitudinal ridges (alae) of V shaped structures - four cephalic setae - elongated oesophageal bulb - spicules absent - single gubernaculum - testes paired, opposed - single ovary - L = 1 to 3 similar to Monoposthia except: alae absent in the anterior part of the oesophagus - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity ventral, subterminal - amphid loop shaped - L = 1.3 to 1.7 buccal cavity with small dorsal tooth - 10 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation irregular - gubernaculum with lateral flange - L = 1.5 to 2 minute buccal cavity - labial and anterior cephalic sensilla elongate - large multi-spiral amphid - L = 1 to 1.5 similar to Oxystomina except: tail rounded - L = 3 buccal cavity conical - one hollow dorsal tooth and two subventral teeth - four cephalic setae - cuticle heterogeneous with lateral differentiation of two or three longitudinal rows of dots - distinct posterior oesophageal bulb present - precloacal supplements cup shaped (usually) - L = 0.5 to 2 puctated cuticle with lateral differentiation (usually) - sublateral cuticle pores present - buccal cavity with triangular dorsal tooth - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - multi-spiral amphid - oesophageal bulb present - 6 to 9 conspicuous cup shaped precloacal supplements - tail conical - lateral row of punctuations on posterior third of tail - L = 0.6 to 1 cuticle punctated with ring pores, lateral differentiation of larger, more widely spaced dots - precloacal supplements present - L = 1.4 to 1.5 similar to Gerlachius except: body annulation distinct, lateral fields present - L = 0.4 to 1 similar to Prochaetosoma except: dorsal tooth absent - rostral cuticle very thick - L = 0.9 to 1.6 similar to Monoposthia except: spicules present - L = 1 to 2 similar to Trochamus except: amphid conspicuous - spicules with telamon and lateral pieces - L = 0.7 three teeth at anterior of oesophagus - L = 2 to 3 three teeth at anterior of oesophagus - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity with a ring of six teeth (odontia) in the anterior part - L = 1 to 4 similar to Odontophora except: lateral subcephalic seta present - female monodelphic - L = 1 to 1.5 cuticle with transverse rows of longitudinal striations - buccal cavity large and cylindrical - amphid contour indistinct - L = 1 to 2 cuticle with transverse rows of longitudinal striations - buccal cavity large and cylindrical - amphid contour indistinct - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with stylet - ocellus present - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity with stylet - ocellus present - L = 0.5 to 2 right subventral tooth large and solid - buccal cavity divided transversely by cuticularised band - spicules long, equal or unequal - copulatory bursa present or absent - L =1 to 2 right subventral tooth large and solid - buccal cavity divided transversely by cuticularised band - spicules long, equal or unequal - copulatory bursa present or absent - L =1 to 2 left subventral tooth large - spicules short - gubernaculum absent - female monodelphic, demanian system present - tail short - L = 3 to 6 left subventral tooth large - spicules short - gubernaculum absent - female monodelphic, demanian system present - tail short - L = 3 to 6 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - spicules short - L = 1 to 2 two large subventral teeth extending to anterior bar of mandibles - dorsal tooth reduced - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 to 4 two large subventral teeth extending to anterior bar of mandibles - dorsal tooth reduced - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 to 4 two large subventral teeth extending to anterior bar of mandibles - dorsal tooth reduced - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 to 4 two large subventral teeth extending to anterior bar of mandibles - dorsal tooth reduced - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 2 to 4 buccal cavity absent - six cephalic setae - four subcephalic setae (may be reduced) - L = 1.5 to 3 buccal cavity large, divided into two sections - teeth absent - oesophagus tissue surrounds posterior half of buccal cavity - gubernaculum with apophysis - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth, may be reduced - 10 cephalic setae - multi-spiral amphid - cuticle with transverse rows of dots, lateral differentiation may be present - oesophageal bulb absent - tubular precloacal supplements - gubernaculum dentate distally, proximally paired - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth, may be reduced - 10 cephalic setae - multi-spiral amphid - cuticle with transverse rows of dots, lateral differentiation may be present - oesophageal bulb absent - tubular precloacal supplements - gubernaculum dentate distally, proximally paired - L = 1 to 4 amphid oval, conspicuous - cuticle homogeneous, lateral dots enlarged - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity with three teeth - precloacal supplements present - L = 1.5 to 5 cephalic cuticle thick - male amphid larger than female amphid - tubular precloacal supplements - L = 0.5 to 1.5 cephalic cuticle thick - male amphid larger than female amphid - tubular precloacal supplements - L = 0.5 to 1.5 lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements setose or absent - gubernaculum distally simple, paired - L = 1 to 2 lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements setose or absent - gubernaculum distally simple, paired - L = 1 to 2 amphids half surrounded by cuticular striations - precloacal supplements present - L = 1 to 3 similar to Draconema except: prominently enlarged post-rostral annules absent - L = 0.6 to 1.5 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity weakly cuticularised and unarmed - 10 cephalic setae - tail tapered (usually) - L = 1 -4 buccal cavity large, cylindrical, with dorsal tooth - four subcephalic setae level with four cephalic setae - oesophageal bulb absent - L = 0.6 - 0.7 teeth reduced or absent - lateral differentiation absent - oesophageal bulb present - precloacal supplements absent - gubernaculum simple - L = 0.5 to 3 teeth reduced or absent - lateral differentiation absent - oesophageal bulb present - precloacal supplements absent - gubernaculum simple - L = 0.5 to 3 cephalic setae at anterior of cephalic capsule, level with anterior end of mandibles - cephalic setae much shorter in female than male - double articulated spicules - L = 2 to 3 cephalic setae at anterior of cephalic capsule, level with anterior end of mandibles - cephalic setae much shorter in female than male - double articulated spicules - L = 2 to 3 cephalic setae at anterior of cephalic capsule, level with anterior end of mandibles - cephalic setae much shorter in female than male - double articulated spicules - L = 2 to 3 cephalic setae at anterior of cephalic capsule, level with anterior end of mandibles - cephalic setae much shorter in female than male - double articulated spicules - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity conical with three teeth - L = 2.5 buccal cavity conical with three teeth - L = 2.5 6 + 4 long cephalic setae - oesophageal bulb only slight - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 2 to 5 similar to Daptonema except: spicules elongate - L = 1 to 2 similar to Daptonema except: spicules elongate - L = 1 to 2 excretory pore on papilla - precloacal supplement absent - L = 2 to 5 excretory pore on papilla - precloacal supplement absent - L = 2 to 5 similar to Graphonema except: ventral precloacal thickening in cuticle - L = 1 to 4 buccal cavity conical with six anteriorly situated plates - inner oesophageal wall not especially cuticularised - single testis - L = 1.5 to 3 similar to Astomonema except: 0 + 0 + 4 cephalic setae - paired testes - L = 6 to 13 similar to Astomonema except: 0 + 0 + 4 cephalic setae - paired testes - L = 6 to 13 desmen absent - cuticle with warts - 65 to 100 cuticular rings - L = 0.1 to 0.3 tail conical with sharp tip - caudal glands absent - L = 4 to 8 similar to Thalassironus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 -2 similar to Thalassironus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 -2 similar to Thalassironus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 -2 similar to Thalassironus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 -2 walls of buccal cavity parallel - L =1 to 2 six short cephalic setae - small conical buccal cavity - cervical setae present - two subventral rows of winged precloacal supplements - female has supplements anterior and posterior to vulva - L = 2 to 6 similar to Epsilonema except: ambulatory setae absent - of the 6 to 8 subcephalic setae, four situated immediately posterior to cephalic setae - L = 0.3 to 0.5 similar to Spirinia except: amphid not surrounded by cuticular striations - tail conico-cylindrical - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1 to 2 trilobed cephalic capsule - often a striated cervical capsule present - posterior oesophagus has a crenellate cellular structure - ocellus present or absent - precloacal supplement - L = 3 to 6 trilobed cephalic capsule - often a striated cervical capsule present - posterior oesophagus has a crenellate cellular structure - ocellus present or absent - precloacal supplement - L = 3 to 6 trilobed cephalic capsule - often a striated cervical capsule present - posterior oesophagus has a crenellate cellular structure - ocellus present or absent - precloacal supplement - L = 3 to 6 head attenuated - buccal cavity simple - cephalic capsule weak - precloacal supplement absent - L = 4 to 7 similar to Trissonchulus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 to 2 similar to Trissonchulus except: caudal glands absent - L = 1.5 to 2 buccal cavity small - 6 + 4 short cephalic setae - cuticle with lateral differentiation of irregular dots but no longitudinal rows - precloacal supplements absent - L = 1 three small teeth anteriorly - two stout setae associated with amphid of male only - tail pointed - L = 9 to 11 three small teeth anteriorly - two stout setae associated with amphid of male only - tail pointed - L = 9 to 11 cephalic sensilla setiform - ocellus absent - 2 - 4 long cervical setae posterior to amphid - precloacal supplement - L = 13 - 22 buccal cavity divided into several chambers - 5 to 8 oesophageal bulbs - precloacal supplements absent - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity divided into several chambers - 5 to 8 oesophageal bulbs - precloacal supplements absent - L = 2 to 3 similar to Sigmophoranema except: subcephalic setae absent - spicules short - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with large dorsal tooth, two subventral teeth and denticles - six setose labial papillae - 6 + 4 cephalic setae, 6 larger than 4 and 4 often missing - oesophageal bulb absent - cuticle punctated - lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of dots - precloacal supplements consisting of several elements - gubernaculum with lateral flange - L = 1 to 3 both subventral teeth large - gubernaculum present - precloacal sensory field - female didelphic, demanian system absent - L = 6 to 20 both subventral teeth large - gubernaculum present - precloacal sensory field - female didelphic, demanian system absent - L = 6 to 20 dorsal tooth may be absent - lateral differentiation of larger dots - tubular precloacal supplements - gubernaculum dentate distally, proximally single - L = 1.5 to 3 buccal cavity with stylet - 5 to 17 precloacal supplements - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with stylet - 5 to 17 precloacal supplements - L = 1 to 2 similar to Draconema except: oesophageal region not so bulbous - oesophagus lacks isthmus - buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - oesophageal bulb with cuticularised valve - L = 0.5 to 1.0 single solid dorsal tooth - cuticle homogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements present - L = 0.5 to 2.5 three solid teeth - four cephalic setae - cuticle heterogeneous, no longitudinal rows but lateral dots enlarged - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 0.5 to 1.5 three solid teeth - four cephalic setae - cuticle heterogeneous, no longitudinal rows but lateral dots enlarged - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 0.5 to 1.5 similar to Paramonohystera except: labial sensilla setiform - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - L = 0.6 to 1.5 similar to Paramonohystera except: labial sensilla setiform - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - L = 0.6 to 1.5 similar to Paramonohystera except: labial sensilla setiform - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - L = 0.6 to 1.5 similar to Paramonohystera except: labial sensilla setiform - tail conical or conico-cylindrical - L = 0.6 to 1.5 large bubble-like cells in body cavity between intestine and longitudinal chords (see tail picture) - gubernaculum present - L = 2 to 4 similar to Rhynchonema except: buccal cavity not greatly elongated but head still attenuated - L = 0.4 to 0.5 similar to Pseudochromadora except: crown of denticles in buccal cavity - cephalic setae on posterior part of head capsule - long somatic setae - L = 0.8 to 1.1 similar to Pseudochromadora except: crown of denticles in buccal cavity - cephalic setae on posterior part of head capsule - long somatic setae - L = 0.8 to 1.1 70 to 350 body annules - buccal cavity absent - four cephalic setae - L = 0.4 to 1.5 ventral tropis present or absent - ocellus absent - gubernaculum apophysis at right angles to spicules - L = 8 to 12 ventral tropis present or absent - ocellus absent - gubernaculum apophysis at right angles to spicules - L = 8 to 12 similar to Desmodora except: broad head capsule in two parts, cephalic setae on anterior part - subcephalic setae absent - lateral alae present - stout precloacal setae sometimes present - L = 0.7 to 3 similar to Desmodora except: broad head capsule in two parts, cephalic setae on anterior part - subcephalic setae absent - lateral alae present - stout precloacal setae sometimes present - L = 0.7 to 3 buccal cavity large - ventral limb of amphid elongated - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity in two parts, anterior with rows of odontia at anterior margin - precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.5 to 3 eight groups of long subcephalic setae level with amphids - L = 1 to 2 longitudinal ridges conspicuously extended - 250 to 320 body annules - cuticular spine between limbs of amphid - gubernaculum with caudal apophysis - L = 0.8 to 1 similar to Hypodontolaimus except: oesophageal bulb double - L = 0.5 to 1.5 33 to 66 asymmetrical desmen which change direction at some point - L = 0.2 to 1.4 similar to Gnomoxyala except: buccal cavity conical - L = 0.6 to 0.7 similar to Gnomoxyala except: buccal cavity conical - L = 0.6 to 0.7 cephalic setae papilliform - amphid absent - buccal cavity tubular - copulatory bursa around cloaca - L = 2 -3 cephalic setae papilliform - amphid absent - buccal cavity tubular - copulatory bursa around cloaca - L = 2 -3 cephalic setae papilliform - amphid absent - buccal cavity tubular - copulatory bursa around cloaca - L = 2 -3 cephalic setae papilliform - amphid absent - buccal cavity tubular - copulatory bursa around cloaca - L = 2 -3 circular amphid - cervical papillae present - 12 to 16 precloacal papillae - female monodelphic with ovary posterior to vulva - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity with three teeth (usually) - 4 + 6 cephalic setae - L = 3 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth (usually) - 4 + 6 cephalic setae - L = 3 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth (usually) - 4 + 6 cephalic setae - L = 3 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth (usually) - 4 + 6 cephalic setae - L = 3 to 8 alae point in the opposite direction to those of Monoposthia - spicules present - two ovaries - L = 1 lateral differentiation beginning at the end of the oesophagus - spicules double-jointed - spicules with gubernaculum and lateral pieces - L = 1 to 1.5 lateral differentiation beginning at the end of the oesophagus - spicules double-jointed - spicules with gubernaculum and lateral pieces - L = 1 to 1.5 cuticle distinctly annulated - buccal cavity elongated - anterior third of oesophageal region attenuated - amphid anterior to attenuated section - L = 0.4 to 1 20 to 40 longitudinal rows of small spines - six cephalic setae and six subcephalic setae - buccal cavity unarmed - oesophageal bulb absent - L = 0.8 20 to 40 longitudinal rows of small spines - six cephalic setae and six subcephalic setae - buccal cavity unarmed - oesophageal bulb absent - L = 0.8 buccal cavity with six eversible jointed odontia - tail long or short - L = 1 to 2 similar to Haliplectus except: four cephalic setae present - L = 1 buccal cavity with dorsal tooth - six short and four long cephalic setae - amphid anterior to cuticular striations - spicules elongated - S shaped precloacal supplements - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with axial spear - single outstretched anterior ovary - L = 4 to 10 buccal cavity with axial spear - single outstretched anterior ovary - L = 4 to 10 buccal cavity cylindrical - amphid circular - set-off anterior part of oesophagus (corpus) - L = 0.5 to 2 buccal cavity large, barrel shaped, heavily cuticularised - inner oesophageal wall cuticularised - 10 cephalic setae (six short, four long) - eight groups of subcephalic setae - two testes - L = 1 to 4 three solid teeth - amphid distinctly spiral - cuticle homogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 three solid teeth - amphid distinctly spiral - cuticle homogeneous, lateral differentiation absent - precloacal supplements absent - L = 0.5 to 1.5 cuticle with lateral differentiation - oesophageal bulb double - precloacal supplements absent - tail tip elongate - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity with minute (or absent) dorsal tooth - four cephalic setae - amphid surrounded by cuticular striations - L = 2 to 4 similar to Bolbolaimus except: amphid spiral - rows of cervical setae - L = 0.6 to 0.7 10 cephalic setae, six long and four short - eight groups of long subcephalic setae at same level as cephalic setae - L = 1 to 2 10 cephalic setae, six long and four short - eight groups of long subcephalic setae at same level as cephalic setae - L = 1 to 2 similar to Euchromadora except: large rectangular dorsal tooth - oesophageal bulb present - L = 1 -3 similar to Euchromadora except: large rectangular dorsal tooth - oesophageal bulb present - L = 1 -3 buccal cavity small, conical - amphids small - six anterior cephalic sensilla may also be elongated - 9 to 45 tubular precloacal supplements, may also be present in female - L = 1 to 3 amphid on plaque - numerous somatic setae - spine-like precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.3 - 2.4 amphid on plaque - numerous somatic setae - spine-like precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.3 - 2.4 amphid on plaque - numerous somatic setae - spine-like precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.3 - 2.4 amphid on plaque - numerous somatic setae - spine-like precloacal supplements present or absent - L = 1.3 - 2.4 labial sensilla conical - spicules short - oesophageal muscle around buccal cavity well developed - L = 2 to 2.5 buccal cavity strongly cuticularised - eight groups of subcephalic setae - L = 0.8 to 1 buccal cavity strongly cuticularised - eight groups of subcephalic setae - L = 0.8 to 1 female buccal cavity divided into several chambers, male buccal cavity absent - precloacal papillae present or absent - L = 3 to 6 female buccal cavity divided into several chambers, male buccal cavity absent - precloacal papillae present or absent - L = 3 to 6 female buccal cavity divided into several chambers, male buccal cavity absent - precloacal papillae present or absent - L = 3 to 6 similar to Axonolaimus except: lateral subcephalic seta present - female monodelphic - L = 2 to 5 buccal cavity with three mandibles, distally double - amphid spiral - 10 cephalic setae - lateral differentiation absent - oesophageal bulb absent - cup shaped precloacal supplements - L = 1.5 to 2.5 buccal cavity with three mandibles, distally single - cephalic sensilla papilliform - lateral differentiation of wider spaced transverse rows of dots - precloacal supplements small or absent - gubernaculum absent - tail short - L = 1 to 2 two subventral onchia and dorsal tooth - precloacal supplement and two subventral rows of papillae and setae - tail clavate - L = 8 to 20 cuticle smooth - head not set off - four cephalic setae - large curved dorsal tooth and two smaller subventral teeth dividing buccal cavity in two parts - oesophageal bulb absent - precloacal supplements and postcloacal papillae present - L = 1.5 to 3.7 three teeth - cephalic sensilla papilliform - posterior oesophageal bulb - tail long, narrow - L = 0.5 to 1.5 buccal cavity absent - amphid large, spiral and situated on plaque - L = 0.7 to 0.5 buccal cavity absent or only small - four cephalic setae - subcephalic setae present - L = 1 to 2 - buccal cavity absent or only small - four cephalic setae - subcephalic setae present - L = 1 to 2 - buccal cavity absent or only small - four cephalic setae - subcephalic setae present - L = 1 to 2 - buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - 10 cephalic setae - double lateral cervical setae (usually) - cuticle faintly striated - L = 2 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - 10 cephalic setae - double lateral cervical setae (usually) - cuticle faintly striated - L = 2 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - 10 cephalic setae - double lateral cervical setae (usually) - cuticle faintly striated - L = 2 to 8 buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - 10 cephalic setae - double lateral cervical setae (usually) - cuticle faintly striated - L = 2 to 8 buccal cavity absent - 10 to 12 cephalic setae - four subcephalic setae - amphid pocket-like - precloacal papillae usually - L = 1 to 3 cuticle smooth - 6 to 10 cephalic setae in six groups - amphid circular - male monorchic - L = 0.5 to 3 buccal cavity conical - 10 to 14 cephalic setae in six groups - amphid circular - tail conical - L = 1 to 2 - buccal cavity conical - 10 to 14 cephalic setae in six groups - amphid circular - tail conical - L = 1 to 2 - cephalic capsule well developed with ventral hollow tooth-like structure (tropis) - ocellus present - gubernaculum apophysis almost parallel to spicules - L = 5 to 10 buccal cavity with three elongated onchia forming a spear-like structure - three mandibles around anterior part of buccal cavity - cephalic capsule present - precloacal supplement present - L = 5 to 10 buccal cavity with three elongated onchia forming a spear-like structure - three mandibles around anterior part of buccal cavity - cephalic capsule present - precloacal supplement present - L = 5 to 10 buccal cavity absent - amphids pocket-like - cephalic setae jointed - cervical papillae present - tail long or short - female didelphic - L = 2 to 3 buccal cavity absent - amphids pocket-like - cephalic setae jointed - cervical papillae present - tail long or short - female didelphic - L = 2 to 3 10 short cephalic setae - pericloacal papillae - single testis - L = 7 to 8 long somatic setae, especially in oesophageal region - L = 1 to 2 29 to 240 oval desmen, most with 60 to 80 - L = 0.2 to 1.3 buccal cavity with three small mandibles and three onchia - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 2 -8 buccal cavity with three small mandibles and three onchia - precloacal supplement (usually) - L = 2 -8 buccal cavity in several sections - amphids circular - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity in several sections - amphids circular - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - cephalic sensilla papilliform - tail short, blunt - L = 2 to 6 buccal cavity with three teeth, dorsal tooth double - cephalic sensilla papilliform - tail short, blunt - L = 2 to 6 amphid indistinct - lateral pieces absent - L = 0.5 buccal cavity absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid circular - L = 1 -2 buccal cavity with three tooth-like processes - amphid with internal cuticularised opening - spicules elongated - cuticle light brown - L = 2 to 3.5 buccal cavity cylindrical with three teeth - lateral differentiation absent - L = 1 to 2 buccal cavity large with three teeth - right subventral tooth large - gubernaculum absent - female didelphic - L = 1- 3 amphid level with, or posterior to, subcephalic setae - precloacal spine - L = 1 to 3 cephalic capsule set off, elongate, conical - six cephalic and four subcephalic setae - transverse oval amphid posterior to cephalic capsule - 8 conspicuous longitudinal ridges - L = 1 to 3 head set off - 10 cephalic setae - single ovary - L = 1 to 2 head set off - 10 cephalic setae - single ovary - L = 1 to 2 cuticle with longitudinal ridges - labial sensilla setiform - single ovary - L = 1 to 2 conical head capsule - 8 subcephalic setae anterior to multispiral amphid - supplements absent - golden colour - L = 1.5 to 2 conical head capsule - 8 subcephalic setae anterior to multispiral amphid - supplements absent - golden colour - L = 1.5 to 2 18 asymmetrical desmen with a double desmen where asymmetry changes direction - L = 0.2 to 0.3 buccal cavity cup shaped, teeth absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid multi-spiral - cuticle punctated, but may be difficult to detect - lateral differentiation present or absent but longitudinal rows not present - gubernaculum with dorsal apophysis - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 1 -3 buccal cavity cup shaped, teeth absent - 6 + 4 cephalic setae - amphid multi-spiral - cuticle punctated, but may be difficult to detect - lateral differentiation present or absent but longitudinal rows not present - gubernaculum with dorsal apophysis - precloacal supplements present (usually) - L = 1 -3 cuticle transversely striated, not punctated - two sublateral rows of long cervical setae - small precloacal supplements - L = 1.1 - 2.4 cuticle transversely striated, not punctated - two sublateral rows of long cervical setae - small precloacal supplements - L = 1.1 - 2.4 cuticle transversely striated, not punctated - two sublateral rows of long cervical setae - small precloacal supplements - L = 1.1 - 2.4 cuticle transversely striated, not punctated - two sublateral rows of long cervical setae - small precloacal supplements - L = 1.1 - 2.4