Pinworm

Natural Habitat

Human large intestine (specifically the cecum and colon)

Diet & Feeding

Intestinal contents and tissues of the host

Behavior Patterns

Female pinworms migrate out of the anus at night to lay thousands of eggs on the surrounding skin, which can cause intense itching. The life cycle typically takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Risks & Benefits

Common intestinal parasite that causes enterobiasis; risks include intense itching (pruritus ani) and secondary skin infections from scratching. They provide no known benefits to the host.

Identified on: 6/23/2026