
Community identification
Threadworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order Oxyurida, Family Oxyuridae
- Size
- 2 to 13 millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Human gastrointestinal tract, specifically the cecum and colon.
Diet & Feeding
Ingested host intestinal contents and mucosal cells.
Behavior Patterns
Females migrate to the perianal region at night to deposit eggs, causing intense itching and promoting transmission.
Risks & Benefits
Causes enterobiasis leading to anal pruritus and sleep disturbance, with no known ecological benefits to humans.