Body of female always spiral when relaxed. Annules decreasing in width near lip region which is marked by 3 or 4 striae. Spear 26u-28u long with flat to slightly cupped knobs. Dorsal esophageal gland outlet about 8u behind spear. Phasmids varying in position from opposite anus to 6 or 7 annules anterior. Terminus varying from blunt to subdigitate. Spicula 22u long.
Helicotylenchus californicus is distinctive because of being bisexual, usually digitate terminus, spear under 28u long with flat to slightly cupped knobs.