Nematomorpha (phylum) (Gordian worm, horsehair worm)

Adult worms are thin (often less than 1mm) but long (often longer than 50mm), giving them a hair-like appearance - hence their alternative common name horsehair worm. The digestive tract is vestigial and the adults do not feed. All growth occurs in the larval stage. The larvae are endoparasites in a variety of arthropods. The host eats the worm eggs, which are deposited by the female on vegetation on the water's edge.

Nematomorpha (phylum) is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands  |  South Coast


Page 1 of 1 - image sightings only

Paul Whitington, Wonboyn River
Paul Whitington, Wonboyn River
Paul Whitington, Wonboyn River

Species information

Location information

831,502 sightings of 22,894 species from 14,403 members
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