Nematophagous (nematode-destroying) fungi comprise more than 200 species of taxonomically diverse fungi that all share the ability to attack living nematodes (juveniles,adults and eggs) and use them as nutrients. The fungi differ in their saprophytic/parasitic ability. While many of the trap-forming and egg-parasitic fungi can survive in soil saprophytically, the endoparasites are mostly more dependent on nematodes as nutrient (obligate parasites). See also: Parasitism: the variety of parasites