Dagger nematodes have very long stylets. Female pin nematodes have long stylets and the body curved at the rear. Female rootknot nematodes become pear-shaped and whitish, and are found inside galls on roots. Sheath nematodes retain the exuviae as they molt and have long, slender stylets. Spiral nematodes are slender and hold the body in a spiral shape at rest.
Sting nematodes are long and slender, females have blunt tails and have an elongate stylet.
Stubby root nematodes taper at both ends and have curved stylets. Stunt nematodes are cylindrical and taper slightly at each rounded end. Much experience is needed to identify nematodes under a microscope. Rootknot nematode eggs are laid in a mass of brown jelly. Other nematodes lay their eggs separately.