Dipylidium caninum are not only very well known in the veterinarian world, but are also well-known to science. According to several sources, they are the only species of the Cestoda class that have been studied karyologically. Sounds fancy? Well, if you aren’t familiar with that term, let me further explain. So the study of Karyology includes looking into the function and characteristics of the cells nucleus. Not sure why other species haven’t had the same opportunity, but my only logical guess would be that D. caninum is so common amongst parasites that infect canines and felines, so it created curiosity across the board. 

Early discoveries as far back as 1945 by AW Jones, determined the diploid number as 2n=10, but then later findings in 1973, 1988, and then 1989, determined that it may actually be 2n=16. I tried to find more recent research, but it appears this is where it stopped for now. This video below will show the cell cycle. I thought it was easier to see it happen in steps with some visuals as well.

Another interesting characteristic more specific to the phylum this species belongs to is that they have two genital parts. One part or hole being a male reproductive organ and the other hole being a female reproductive organ. This has also given this species the name “double-pored” (cdc.gov). If you guessed where I am headed with this, you are probably thinking in the right direction. Dipylidium caninum are considered hermaphrodites. Sometimes two is better than one according to this species.

This figure above helps to visualize the double-pored reference to the species.