Tapeworm Segment (Proglottid)
Scientific Name: Dipylidium caninum (most common species found in homes)
Order & Family: Order: Cyclophyllidea, Family: Dipylidiidae
Size: Approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch long when moving, but shrinks to look like a grain of rice or sesame seed when dry.
Natural Habitat
Adults live in the intestines of dogs, cats, and sometimes humans. Segments are often found on pet bedding, carpeting, furniture, or in animal feces.
Diet & Feeding
The adult worm absorbs nutrients from the host's digested food within the intestine.
Behavior Patterns
These segments detach from the adult worm and exit via the host's anus. While fresh, they can move by expanding and contracting. Once dry, they break open to release microscopic eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: They indicate a parasitic infection in a pet (or rarely a human). Fleas are the intermediate host, so their presence usually signals a flea infestation as well. They are generally not dangerous but can cause weight loss and irritation.
Identified on: 2/23/2026