Hoplolaimus

Hoplolaimus is a genus of nematodes known commonly as lance nematodes.^[1] They are parasites of plants, and three species are pests of agricultural crops.^[2]

These nematodes are usually about 1 to 1.5 millimeters long;^[1] some reach 2 millimeters.^[2] They have large stylets with knobs shaped like anchors or tulips. The male has winglike folds around its tail, and the female has a short, rounded tail.^[1] Some species are amphimictic, with male and female individuals that reproduce sexually, while others are parthenogenetic, with females producing offspring without fertilization.^[2]

The genus includes ectoparasites, endoparasites, and semi-endoparasites.^[2] They feed on plant roots, some feeding externally, some burying only their heads in the roots, and some entering the roots to feed.^[1]

Damage can be manifested in the sloughing of the root cortices.^[1] The main agricultural pest species are H. columbus, H. galeatus, and H. magnistylus.^[2] H. columbus infects such crops as cotton, soybean, and corn. H. galeatus can be found in many crops, as well as many species of pine trees and grasses.^[3]

There are 29 described species in genus Hoplolaimus.^[2]

Species include:^[4]

• Hoplolaimus abelmoschi
• Hoplolaimus aegypti
• Hoplolaimus aorolaimoides
• Hoplolaimus californicus
• Hoplolaimus capensis
• Hoplolaimus casparus
• Hoplolaimus cephalus
• Hoplolaimus chambus
• Hoplolaimus citri
• Hoplolaimus clarissimus
• Hoplolaimus columbus
• Hoplolaimus concaudajuvencus
• Hoplolaimus dimorphicus
• Hoplolaimus dubius
• Hoplolaimus galeatus
• Hoplolaimus imphalensis
• Hoplolaimus indicus
• Hoplolaimus jalalabadiensis
• Hoplolaimus magnistylus
• Hoplolaimus pararobustus
• Hoplolaimus puertoricensis
• Hoplolaimus sacchari
• Hoplolaimus seinhorsti
• Hoplolaimus seshadrii
• Hoplolaimus sheri
• Hoplolaimus singhi
• Hoplolaimus stephanus
• Hoplolaimus tabacum
• Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis
• Hoplolaimus uniformis