Echinococcus adult

A striking feature of the adult Echinococcus is its small size (about 5 mm long) and its small number of proglottids, usually 4-5. This specimen has a scolex and 4 proglottids. Anteriorly (to the top) is the scolex. Behind the scolex, attached by a slight constriction, is an immature proglottid. Behind that, nearly pinched off, is a second immature proglottid, followed by a mature proglottid and a gravid proglottid.

On the scolex you can see the circle of very small hooks circling the anterior end of the rostellum, and the outline of two suckers just behind. Not much detail is visible in the mature proglottid, but the gravid proglottid can be seen to be full of eggs.