Pentastomidae nymphae attached onto snake's trachea

Pentastomidae (genus Porocephalus) are highly specialized parasites that are found in respiratory tract of large snakes (pythons, adders) in Africa. Lifecycle include snakes as definitive hosts, and rodents as intermediates hosts. Nymphae are 1.5 cm long, cylindrical, with numerous annular thickenings. They are coiled like watch-springs, and surrounded by a fibrous capsule. They are similar to adults.