Over 1,500 species of tapeworms make up the class Cestoda. Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that invade the intestinal tracts of animals and humans and are capable growing up to 75 feet long, causing infection, allergic reactions and disease. Once inside its host, the tapeworm uses suckers to attach its head to the intestinal wall. It absorbs nutrients from its host and continually produces new segments containing thousands of eggs, which are released through the host's feces.
Tapeworms do not feed off the actual victim, but instead takes the food that the animal digested on its own. Tapeworms lack a digestive tract and absorb nutrients directly across the skin. Health problems occur for the infected animal when the tapeworm becomes too large and blocks the tube, robbing the animal of nutrients.
Tapeworms do not feed off the actual victim, but instead takes the food that the animal digested on its own. Tapeworms lack a digestive tract and absorb nutrients directly across the skin. Health problems occur for the infected animal when the tapeworm becomes too large and blocks the tube, robbing the animal of nutrients.