
Community identification
Pinworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order Oxyurida, Family Oxyuridae
- Size
- Females are 8-13 mm long; males are 2-5 mm long.
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.