
Community identification
Pinworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order Oxyurida, Family Enterobiidae
- Size
- Females are 8-13 mm long; males are 2-5 mm long
Natural Habitat
The human gastrointestinal tract, primarily the large intestine and rectum
Diet & Feeding
Content of the human intestine and digestive matter
Behavior Patterns
At night, gravid females migrate to the perianal area to lay thousands of eggs, which can cause intense itching (pruritus ani).
Risks & Benefits
Causes enterobiasis infection. While typically not dangerous, it leads to discomfort, itching, and sleeplessness; it is highly contagious through ingestion of microscopic eggs.