The reason for the continuing in- terest in these fungi is, in part, their potential as biocontrol agents against plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes. From this point of view especially, the egg- and cyst-par- asitic fungi have been investigated in depth because of the promise of these fungi as biocontrol agents. Another rea- son for the continued fascination in nematophagous fungi is the remarkable morphological adaptations and the dra- matic capturing of nematodes by both nematode-trapping and endoparasitic fungi. In addition, both fungi and nem- atodes can be grown in the laboratory fairly easily, pro- viding an excellent model system for interaction studies. See also: Biological control by microorganisms; Nematoda (round worms)