
Community identification
Pinworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order: Rhabditida, Family: Oxyuridae
- Size
- Males: 2–5 mm; Females: 8–13 mm
Natural Habitat
The human large intestine; they are obligate parasites found globally.
Diet & Feeding
Pre-digested material, bacteria, and epithelial cells within the human intestine.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal migration where gravid females travel from the colon to the anus to deposit eggs on the perianal skin, causing itching.
Risks & Benefits
Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense anal itching and sleep disruption. Highly contagious within households through ingestion of eggs.