Criconematidae. Female: Body small to rather large (0.24-0.74 mm). Annuli
24-134; smooth or variously ornamented: i) finely crenate; ii) scale-like
projections, if present, only on posterior part of body; iii) irregular
plate-like coverings on cuticle over entire body (paradoxiger, shepherdae)
or on part of annuli (lamellatum); iv) ruffled, ribbon-like ornamentation
encircling annulus on anterior surface (giardi) or both anterior/posterior
surfaces (psephinum); or v) cuticular fringe extending from posterior
margin of annuli (brevicaudatum, giardi). Annuli of labial
region smooth; usually with one annulus wider and clearly set off from
next succeeding body annulus; occasionally separation is not distinct and
labial region appears to bear two annuli. Labial region usually with six
pseudolips rounded and projecting forward from first annulus. Stylet 40-132
um. Vulva on 4th-21st annulus from terminus, slit-like or completely closed
by overhanging anterior lip. Tail conoid-pointed to bluntly rounded.
Male: Two to four lateral lines; bursa small, strongly reduced
or lacking.
Juveniles: Cuticle with scale-like cuticular appendages
over entire body, usually with refractive elements or spine-like extensions
at distal ends, arranged in eight to twenty-four longitudinal rows.
