Classification:

• Phylum: Aschelminths
• Class: Nematoda
• Order: Asteroidea
• Genus: Ascaris

Comments:

1. 1. Ascaris lumbricoides is commonly known as roundworm.
2. 2. Ascaris lumbricoides is common endoparasite in the small intestine of man in all parts of the world.
3. 3. Ascaris is cosmopolitan in distribution especially found in India, China, Philippines, Korea and Pacific islands.
4. 4. Body is elongated, cylindrical, pointed at both the ends.
5. 5. Mouth provided with a median dorsal and a pair of symmetrical sub median ventral lips.
6. 6. Sexes are separate and sexual dimorphism is well marked.
7. 7. Male is about 15 to 31 centimeters in length with the posterior end curved vertically.
8. 8. Female is large reaching a length of 20 to 35 centimetres with a posterior end straight and blunt.
9. 9. Female genital aperture lies about 1/3 of the length of the body from the anterior end.
10. 10. Male is provided with a pair of curved spicules known as peniel setae on its posterior end.

Source:

1. Practical Zoology Invertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.