After infection, the worms will mature within 6-8 months and then the release of the microfilariae will begin.

There the worm matures and can become as long as 5 meters.

Once in the guts of the birds, the larval worms can mature and reproduce.

As a worm matures and grows in size, so does its crown.

After the worm matures to adulthood in the human intestine, it begins to produce eggs.

It lasts about 5-6 days then the worm matures and attaches itself to the last part of the small intestine.

The small adult worms mature in the intestines of an intermediate host such as a pig.

More humane 'peace silk' production leaves the worms to mature into moths and fly away before their cocoons are used.

The worms mature in about 10 months and may live for several years.

Once established in the bile duct, the worms then mature sexually and begin producing eggs within approximately 1 week.