Pinworm

Natural Habitat

The human large intestine, specifically the cecum and appendix, and the surrounding perianal area.

Diet & Feeding

Content of the human intestine and epithelial cells; they do not consume blood.

Behavior Patterns

Gravid females migrate out of the anus at night to deposit eggs on the perianal skin, which causes intense itching. The eggs become infectious within hours and are spread via the fecal-oral route.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Causes enterobiasis (pinworm infection), characterized by perianal itching, disturbed sleep, and irritability. Benefits: None to humans; they are strictly parasitic worms.

Identified on: 1/11/2026