Cobra tapeworm. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head (scolex) of a cobra tapeworm (Taenia sp.). Tapeworms are parasites that inhabit the intestines of animals and humans. Different tapeworms have different animals as their intermediate and final hosts. The suckers (round) help to anchor the worm to the host's intestinal lining. Tapeworms do not possess a digestive tract and so absorb nutrients from the half-digested food of the host through their skin.