Nutrition

Being apart of the platyhelminthes, Dipylidium caninum and much like Taenia solium rely on diffusion for nutrient acquisition.
The epidermis of Dipylidium caninum is folded numerous times into finger-like projections to increase surface area and thus nutrient uptake. These folds are commonly known as microtriches. The surface of Dipylidium caninum is covered with these as extensions of the tegument that is the tissue membrane nutrients pass through. This adaptation makes it possible for platyhelminthes like Dipylidium caninum to obtain nutrients even in their challenging environment.

Platyhelminthes are some of the most surface area specialized organisms in the world, and for good reason. Dipylidium caninum's habitat requires it to have good surface area. As a parasite, Dipylidium caninum feeds on its host. Specifically, the lumen of the small intestines found in dogs, cats, foxes, and sometimes humans.

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