Rodent Parasite (Often Tapeworm Segment or Tissue)
Scientific Name: Hymenolepis diminuta or Hymenolepis nana (Proposed ID)
Order & Family: Cyclophyllidea / Hymenolepididae
Size: Segments are typically 1-3mm long; adult worms can reach 20-60cm.
Natural Habitat
Intestinal tract of rodents (rats, mice) and occasionally humans; expelled in feces into household environments.
Diet & Feeding
Absorbs nutrients directly from the host's intestinal contents; lacks a digestive system of its own.
Behavior Patterns
Parasitic life cycle usually involving an intermediate host (like beetles or fleas) for H. diminuta, though H. nana can be directly transmitted. Segments (proglottids) break off and are passed in stool.
Risks & Benefits
Pathogenic parasite. Can cause Hymenolepiasis in humans, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. No benefits; indicates a rodent infestation.
Identified on: 2/28/2026