At least eight species within the genus Hoplolaimus occur in the Southern United States and all are commonly referred to as lance nematodes (19). Only Hoplolaimus columbus, H. galeatus, and H. magnistylus are reported to cause significant yield losses on cotton. These three species vary considerably in their life cycles, geographic distribution, and the degree of damage they cause to cotton. All are relatively large nematodes with adults ranging from 0.9 to 1.9 mm in length (19,22). Both males and females are usually present in populations of R. galeatus and H. magnistylus and sexual reproduction occurs with both species. Reproduction in H. columbus is by mitotic parthenogenesis and this species (9). Males are rarely seen in field populations of H. columbus but have been observed in laboratory cultures.