Bug Identifier
Pinworm
Community identification

Pinworm

Enterobius vermicularis

Order & Family
Order: Oxyurida, Family: Oxyuridae
Size
Females are 8–13 mm long; males are 2–5 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

The human large intestine; eggs are commonly found in household dust, bedding, and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Content of the human host's digestive tract and epithelial cells.

Behavior Patterns

Adult females migrate out of the anus at night to lay thousands of eggs on the perianal skin, which causes intense itching.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include perianal itching (pruritus ani), disturbed sleep, and potential secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They provide no known benefits to humans.