On the photos, there are two different nematodes: a male and a female.
The general criteria and observations are indicated directly on the photos.
Here is a comprehensive list of the main characteristics for Aphelenchoides fragariae:
- Length in mm: 0.62-0.895 (female)
- Head shape: Slightly « offset » and lips prominent wider than the body
- Stylet length in µm: 10-13
- Stylet cone: 50 %
- Median bulb oval/round
- Nerve ring behind the muscular median bulb
- Excretory pore at or just behind the nerve ring
- Length of the post-vulval sac in female: more 50% of the distance betwenn the vulva and the anus
- Position of the vulva relative to the anterior end, expressed as a % of the body length in female: 66.5-72.2
- Total body length divided by the maximum body diameter in µm (a): 46.2-64.5 (female)
- Total body length divided by tail length in µm (c): 13.4-20.3 (female)
- Number of lateral lines: 2 (sometimes 4)
- Shape of tail: conoid
- Shape of mucro: Single central spine (sometimes sin mucro)
