Bug Identifier
Pinworm
Community identification

Pinworm

Enterobius vermicularis

Order & Family
Order Oxyurida, Family Oxyuridae
Size
Females are 8-13 mm long; males are 2-5 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Internal parasite primarily living in the human large intestine and rectum.

Diet & Feeding

Digested food material and host cells in the intestinal tract.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal migration where adult females exit the anus to lay thousands of eggs on the perianal skin, causing intense itching.

Risks & Benefits

Highly contagious; risks include perianal itching, disturbed sleep, and secondary skin infections from scratching. No ecosystem benefits.