Community identification
Tapeworm Proglottid
Dipylidium caninum (typically)
- Order & Family
- Cyclophyllidea, Dipylidiidae/Taeniidae
- Size
- 3-12 mm in length (roughly the size of a grain of rice)
Natural Habitat
Intestines of mammals (cats, dogs, humans); external environment via feces
Diet & Feeding
Absorbs nutrients from the host's partially digested food in the intestine
Behavior Patterns
Segments break off from the main worm and exit the host's body through the anus. They can move independently for a short time and eventually dry out to release eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Pathogenic parasite. Can cause digestive issues, weight loss, and anal pruritus in hosts. Requires medical/veterinary treatment; poses a risk of infection to humans if eggs or intermediate hosts (like fleas) are ingested.