Pinworm

Natural Habitat

The primary habitat is the human gastrointestinal tract, specifically the large intestine and rectum; eggs are often found on skin surfaces, bedding, and household dust.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on host nutrients and intestinal contents within the human bowel.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal migration; adult females crawl out of the anus at night to deposit thousands of eggs on the perianal skin, causing intense itching. This facilitates transmission via the fecal-oral route through contaminated hands or surfaces.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include enterobiasis infection leading to anal itching (pruritus ani), insomnia, and irritability. While generally considered a nuisance rather than a severe health threat, heavy infestations can lead to secondary skin infections or complications like appendicitis. There are no known ecological benefits.

Identified on: 2/13/2026