Gross appearance of the adult:
(1) large worm resembling an adult Ascaris (white, 8 cm in length, diameter 0.3 to 0.6 cm)
(2) pseudo-segments due to folds of the tegument may resemble an earthworm
(3) proboscis receptacle at one end into which the proboscis retracts
(4) presence of rows of small hooks on the proboscis
(5) absence of a mouth or alimentary tract
Features of the Ascaris adult that will be missing
(1) smooth surface
(2) mouth with 3 "lips"
(3) eggs
Microscopic features:
(1) The presence of a thorny cephalic structure at the anterior end.
Eggs vary with the species:
(1) Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceous has an oval egg 100 x 50 microns with thick, textured shell with a raised rim.
