The chitinous plates, used to attach to the lining of the intestine where they suck blood for nourishment, are visible. Three species of hookworm cause infection in the United States, including this species, Necator americanus. This is the mouth part of the hookworm Ancyclostoma duodenale. The hookworm uses curved sharp teeth to attach to the lining of the intestine where it sucks blood for nourishment. This is a photomicrograph of a hookworm egg.
Hookworms hatch in damp vegetation.
Their larvae can enter through the skin, even without cuts or abrasions. Once through the skin they begin the next step of their life cycle. The larva of a hookworm is visible in the center of this photograph. Hookworm larvae live in damp grass and vegetation and enter the body through the skin. In most cases, they only cause severe itching and redness.