diff --git a/networkx/classes/digraph.py b/networkx/classes/digraph.py
index 60a202ff..1290bb8b 100644
--- a/networkx/classes/digraph.py
+++ b/networkx/classes/digraph.py
@@ -300,8 +300,8 @@ class DiGraph(Graph):
         # We store two adjacency lists:
         # the  predecessors of node n are stored in the dict self._pred
         # the successors of node n are stored in the dict self._succ=self._adj
-        self._adj = ndf()  # empty adjacency dictionary
-        self._pred = ndf()  # predecessor
+        self._adj = self.adjlist_outer_dict_factory()  # empty adjacency dictionary
+        self._pred = self.adjlist_outer_dict_factory()  # predecessor
         self._succ = self._adj  # successor
 
         # attempt to load graph with data