DACTYLELLA

a genus of 15 species in the Fungi Imperfecti (form-class Deuteromycetes; q.v.). They capture and kill nematodes (roundworms) by penetrating their bodies. A penetration tube grows out of a hypha (one of the filaments that make up the body of a typical fungus) after contact with the prey, enters it, and begins to grow and branch, forming haustoria (special absorbing structures). Enzymes secreted by the fungus kill the nematode.