Community identification
Pinworm
Enterobius vermicularis
- Order & Family
- Order Rhabditida, Family Oxyuridae
- Size
- Females: 8-13 mm, Males: 2-5 mm long
Natural Habitat
Human large intestine (caecum and colon), often migrating to the perianal area
Diet & Feeding
Intestinal contents and epithelial cells of the human host
Behavior Patterns
Adult females migrate to the perianal area at night to lay thousands of eggs, which causes itching. Eggs are transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated hands, surfaces, or dust.
Risks & Benefits
Causes enterobiasis, characterized by intense anal itching (pruritus ani), restlessness, and insomnia. While not life-threatening, it is highly contagious within households but provides no ecosystem benefits.