Bug Identifier
Pinworm
Community identification

Pinworm

Enterobius vermicularis

Order & Family
Order: Rhabditida, Family: Oxyuridae
Size
2 to 13 millimeters in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

The human large intestine; during the night, females migrate to the perianal area to lay eggs.

Diet & Feeding

Pre-digested material in the human intestine and intestinal bacteria.

Behavior Patterns

Nematodes that live in the colon. Females travel to the anus at night to deposit thousands of sticky eggs on the surrounding skin.

Risks & Benefits

Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense itching in the perianal region; highly contagious among children and household members.