Taenia spp.

Taenia species. Egg from proglottid (unstained, high power). The eggs of T. saginata and T. solium are indistinguishable and measure 31 to 43 um in diameter. Both have a thick, dark, radially striated shell. One can see the six-hooked oncosphere within. Some eggs, as shown here, may retain the delicate, transparent, primary membrane.