Anoplocephala manubriata is a host-specific tapeworm, or cestode, that parasitizes African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants.

[2] The life cycle of A. manubriata have not been completely elucidated, however studies have shown through examining oribatid mites from a dung pile near an elephant site that an immature stage exists.

[5] Oribatid mites, the intermediate hosts, are a large group of free-living, soil-dwelling acarines.

They have low fecundity and life development varies from months to 2 years in temperate soils.

[4] The proglottids of the worms contain both longitudinal and traverse muscles; this was determined by microscopic evaluation.