A nematode worm, Dracunculus medinensis, that is a parasite of man. The white threadlike adult female, 60-120 cm long, lives in the connective tissues beneath the skin. It releases its larvae into a large blister on the legs or arms; when the limbs are immersed in water the larvae escape and are subsequently eaten by tiny water fleas ( Cyclops), in which their development continues. The disease dracontiasis results from drinking water contaminated with Cyclops.