Subfamily Desmodorinae Filipjev, 1922, according to Decraemer & Smol (2006)

Diagnosis. Cuticle with transverse annuli except in head region. Head region with thickened cuticle except in lip region, and set off as a conspicuous head capsule or helmet. Fovea amphidialis in general not surrounded by annuli; may be located on a cuticularized plate. Buccal cavity in most cases with distinct teeth. Pharyngeal bulb rounded to elongated.