Body usually in a rather tight spiral. Annules near lip region become narrower until five usually are present on the high conical lips. Spear about 26u long with slightly cupped knobs. Dorsal esophageal gland outlet 10u behind spear. Spermagonium a prominent feature of the uterine tract. Tail unusually long, dorsally arcuate with about 14 ventral annules. Phasmids 7-10 annules anterior to anus.
Helicotylenchus platyurus is immediately recognized by the high, conical lip region with 5 annules, elongate, rounded, dorsally arcuate tail with 14-16 annules and anterior position of phasmids.