Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments provide mechanical strength to cells. Non-essential protein. Probably forms some heteromeric filaments with ifb-1. Expressed in the larva in the pharyngeal-intestinal valve, the rectum and some neurons of the tail. Highly expressed in the intestine of the newly formed dauer larva. Colocalizes with ifb-1. Not expressed in the intestine of normal developmental stages. Belongs to the intermediate filament family.