Thorny-Headed Worms: Acanthocephala

Physical characteristics: Moniliformis moniliformis worms are long, threadlike, and often coiled. Females are 4 to 11 inches (10 to 27 centimeters) long. Males are 1.6 to 2 inches (4 to 5 centimeters) long. The snouts of these worms have 12 lengthwise rows of seven to eight hooks.

Geographic range: Moniliformis moniliformis (abbreviated as M. moniliformis) worms live all over the world.

Habitat: The primary hosts of M. moniliformis worms are dogs, cats, and wild rodents, especially rats. The intermediate hosts are beetles and cockroaches. The transport hosts are toads and lizards.

Diet: M. moniliformis worms absorb nutrients from their hosts.

Behavior and reproduction: Adult M. moniliformis worms mature in five to six weeks in the intestines of primary hosts. Hatching of the first-stage larvae occurs 15 minutes to 48 hours after ingestion by The primary hosts of Monilifromis moniliformis worms are dogs, cats, and wild rodents, especially rats. (Allen Shostak) the intermediate host. The larvae develop to their final stage in the intermediate host in about two months.

Moniliformis moniliformis and people: M. moniliformis worms cause disease in people. The symptoms include tiredness, ringing in the ears, and diarrhea.

Conservation status: M. moniliformis worms are not considered threatened or endangered. ∎