hi

Nematomorpha (sometimes called Gordiacea, and commonly known as horsehair worms or Gordian worms) are a phylum of parasitoidanimals superficially similar to nematode worms in morphology, hence the name. They range in size in most species from 50 to 100 millimetres (2.0 to 3.9 in) long and can reach in extreme cases up to 2 metres, and 1 to 3 millimetres (0.039 to 0.118 in) in diameter. Horsehair worms can be discovered in damp areas such as watering troughs, swimming pools, streams, puddles, and cisterns. The adult worms are free-living, but the larvae are parasitic on arthropods, such as beetles, cockroaches, mantids, orthopterans, and crustaceans.[About 351 freshwater species are known and a conservative estimate suggests that there may be about 2000 freshwater species worldwide.The name "Gordian" stems from the legendary Gordian knot. This relates to the fact that nematomorpha often tie themselves in knots.

Dear Dr.Jarad,

Thanks for the answer, but I asked about the ITALIAN species of horsehair worms, NOT the description of the phylum.