They are usually brownish in color. Their capsule is very different from that of the roundworm and incorporates two thickened bubble-like areas at the eggs two ends.'These are called bipolar plugs. This feature is characteristic, and only displayed by hairworm eggs. Tapeworm Eggs Tapeworms are not diagnosed with the microscope. Their eggs are usually released in packets called proglottids that are usually visible to the naked eye.
Tapeworms have a fascinating life cycle.
The worms grow in the pigeon's bowel, burying their head deeply in the bowel lining. Maturing proglottids develop behind the worm's head to form a ribbon, with the oldest, most mature proglottid at the end of this ribbon. Within each proglottid are both male and female genitalia which through pores on the proglottid surface, release the tapeworm equivalent of sperm and eggs. These run the risk of being lost in the bowel and so the pores are in close proximity, usually leading to the sperm fertilizing the eggs within the same proglottid. They are usually creamy white and when passed in the dropping are initially capable of moving.