Wuchereria bancrofti

Eggs: The eggs average 40 by 25 μm in size. They lack a true shell, instead being enclosed in a membrane which stretches to form a sheath over the microfilaria (embryo). Microfilariae: The embryo itself averages 290 μm by 6-7 μm, though the sheath surrounding it is slightly larger. The cuticle of the embryo has well-marked striations and the tail tapers gradually to a rounded tip. Infective Larva (3rd stage): The head of the infective larva is truncate-conic, trapezoidal when viewed laterally. The oral aperture is circular with prominent papillae ringing the outer edge. The tail is blunt with three caudal papillae, two latero-ventral and one dorso-terminal. In females the tail is relatively longer. As the larva grows the head loses its truncate shape and is well rounded by the time it develops into a 4th stage larva. Adults: Wuchereria bancrofti is a translucent white worm with a smooth cuticle. The head is rounded and separated from the body by a neck-like constriction. In females the tail tapers gradually and is rounded at the tip, while in males the tail curves ventrally. Males and females live coiled together. Females vary in length from 30-100 mm with a diameter ranging from 100-300 μm. Males are smaller, typically half the size of females.

No narrative description available for this taxon yet.