The microfilariae of this filarial worm measure 240 to 300 micrometers in length and have a semi-transparent sheath on Giemsa-stained preparations. On H&E-stained preparations, the sheath stains a deeper pink color. Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae can be differentiated from the other sheathed microfilariae by their loosely-packed nuclear column that does not extend to the tip of its tail.