General

This diverse group of nematodes contains (arguably) some of the most beautiful parasites.

Life Cycle

These are parasites of all classes of vertebrate. Most species have indirect life cycles, and the intermediate host is usually an arthropod.

Morphology

The mouth is simple, with small lips, but the buccal capsule is usually prominent. The esophagus usually is long, with an anterior, muscular portion and a posterior, glandular portion. The cuticle is often highly ornamented at the anterior end. The posterior end of the male has well-developed caudal alae and papillae, and a pair of unequal spicules. Some species have an atypical body shape for a nematode: tapered at both ends but wide and flat in the middle.