Eventually, adult tapeworms reach lengths of up to 11” (30 cm). As the adult tapeworm matures, individual segments called proglottids, break off from the main body of the tapeworm and pass in the cat's feces.
How big can tapeworms grow up to?
Adult tapeworms can measure more than 80 feet (25 meters) long and can survive as long as 30 years in a host. Some tapeworms attach themselves to the walls of the intestines, where they cause irritation or mild inflammation, while others may pass through to your stool and exit your body.
What does a long tapeworm look like?
Tapeworms are flat worms that look a bit like ribbons. Their bodies are made up of segments, and each segment is about the size of a grain of rice. Adult tapeworms can grow to be 30 feet -- almost as long as the average school bus. Fortunately, infections caused by them are rare in the U.S.
How big is the average tapeworm?
saginata tapeworms are usually 4-12 m in length, but can grow to be 25 m; the adult tapeworms produce 1,000 to 2,000 proglottids/ worm and may produce up to 100,000 eggs per worm. T. solium (pork) tapeworms are smaller, 2-8 m in length, produce an average of 1,000 proglottids/worm, and may produce 50,000 eggs per worm.
How long are tapeworms on average?
Long Body, Long Lifespan Their length varies, but they can grow to be anywhere from 6 to 22 feet.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Can house dogs get worms?What does a big tapeworm look like?
