Body spiral when relaxed. Lip region hemispheroid, usually with 4 annules. Labial framework massively sclerotized. Spear 29u-33u with forward-cupped knobs. Dorsal esophageal gland outlet 9u behind knobs. Phasmids 3-6 annules anterior to anus. Tail with slightly upturned, bluntly rounded terminus with 6 to 9 annules.
Helicotylenchus bradys is immediately distinguished from H. pseudorobustus and other monosexual species by the coarsely annulated lip region, long spear and tail form.