Community identification
Common Tapeworm (segment)
Dipylidium caninum or Taenia saginata
- Order & Family
- Order Cyclophyllidea, Families Dipylidiidae or Taeniidae
- Size
- Individual segments (proglottids) are 3-12 mm long; adult worms can reach several meters.
Natural Habitat
Intestines of mammals (humans, dogs, cats); segments are found in feces or on bedding.
Diet & Feeding
Absorbs nutrients through its skin directly from the host's partially digested food in the intestine.
Behavior Patterns
Individual segments break off from the main adult worm and crawl out of the host's anus to spread eggs into the environment.
Risks & Benefits
Potentially harmful parasite causing malnutrition, weight loss, or abdominal pain; requires medical or veterinary treatment.