Nematode (Roundworm)
Scientific Name: Too general; refers to a phylum (Nematoda)
Order & Family: Phylum: Nematoda (No specific order/family identifiable from image)
Size: Most are microscopic, typically 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm in length, though some parasitic species can be much larger, reaching several centimeters or even meters (e.g., some whale parasites).
Natural Habitat
Nematodes are found in an incredibly diverse range of habitats, including soil, freshwater, marine environments, and as parasites within plants and animals. They are one of the most abundant animal groups on Earth.
Diet & Feeding
Diet varies widely across species. Free-living nematodes can be omnivores, detritivores (feeding on decaying matter), bacteriophages (feeding on bacteria), mycophagous (feeding on fungi), or predators of other small organisms. Parasitic nematodes feed on the tissues, blood, or nutrients of their host organisms.
Behavior Patterns
Nematodes are typically worm-like in appearance and move by undulating their bodies. Many species are free-living in soil or water, while others are parasitic. Their life cycles can vary greatly depending on whether they are free-living or parasitic, often involving egg, larval, and adult stages. Some parasitic nematodes have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Many free-living nematodes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems, aiding in decomposition and serving as a food source for other organisms. Some are used as biological control agents against insect pests (entomopathogenic nematodes). Risks: Many species are significant parasites of plants (e.g., root-knot nematodes causing crop damage) and animals, including humans (e.g., hookworms, Ascaris, pinworms, filarial worms). These can cause various diseases, ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness and even death, impacting agriculture and public health.
Identified on: 8/27/2025