Tapeworm Proglottid (Segment)

Scientific Name: Dipylidium caninum (most common in pets)

Order & Family: Order: Cyclophyllidea, Family: Dipylidiidae

Size: Segments are typically 3-12 mm long (resembling a cucumber seed or grain of rice)

Tapeworm Proglottid (Segment)

Natural Habitat

Intestinal tract of dogs and cats (adults); larval stages in fleas

Diet & Feeding

Absorbs nutrients directly from the host's intestinal contents

Behavior Patterns

Adult worms live in the intestine. They shed segments (proglottids) containing egg packets which exit via the anus. These segments can move independently when fresh.

Risks & Benefits

Parasitic risk to pets causing irritation and weight loss; low zoonotic risk to humans (requires ingesting infected flea); generally indicates a flea infestation.

Identified on: 2/24/2026