Pinworm (likely identification)

Scientific Name: Enterobius vermicularis

Order & Family: Order: Rhabditida, Family: Enterobiidae

Size: Females: 8–13 mm long; Males: 2–5 mm long.

Pinworm (likely identification)

Natural Habitat

The human large intestine, cecum, and the perianal area where eggs are deposited.

Diet & Feeding

Intestinal contents and cellular debris within the human host.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal activity: Gravid females migrate out of the anus at night to deposit eggs on the surrounding skin, which often causes intense itching (pruritus ani).

Risks & Benefits

Risks include anal itching, disturbed sleep, and secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They are highly contagious via fecal-oral transmission. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 3/28/2026