Female body usually in a tight spiral. Lip region set off by slight depression with 4 or 5 minute annules which sometimes are scarcely visible. Spear 27u long with massive angular, slightly cupped knobs. Dorsal gland outlet about 8u posterior to spear. Tail with 10-12 annules, ending in a hemispheroid process. Six tiny annules on dorsal side which extend up to end of lateral field. Phasmid usually slightly anterior to anus. Male not so completely spiral. Spicula 30u-33u long, almost straight, decidedly longer than tail length--an outstanding feature.
Helicotylenchus hydrophilus is easily recognized by the finely annulated lip region, position of excretory pore, terminus of female tail and length of spicula.