The unilateral genital pores and large external seminal vesicle allow for easy recognition.

[1] The family Hymenolepididae has only two species which infects humans: the disease hymenolepiasis is caused by Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta, which are sometimes classified in the genus Rodentolepis.

[2] Unlike most tapeworms, including H. diminuta, H. nana can complete its lifecycle without an intermediate host.

With increasing worm burden, symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, diarrhea, and abdominal pain occur.

[4] H. diminuta is primarily a parasite of rats, but human infections occur as incidental hosts.