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.

Regional distribution

Nematomorpha (phylum) is listed in the following regions: