
Community identification
Pinworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order Oxyurida, Family Oxyuridae
- Size
- Females: 8-13 mm, Males: 2-5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Human large intestine, primarily the cecum and appendix; eggs found on surfaces or clothing
Diet & Feeding
Feed on intestinal contents and debris within the human host
Behavior Patterns
Females migrate to the anal area at night to lay eggs, causes intense itching (pruritus ani), spreading eggs through contact
Risks & Benefits
Causes enterobiasis, leading to sleep loss and secondary infections from scratching; beneficial primarily for research on population migration