Intermediate host Eggs are released in the
feces of an infected host (
raccoons and other mammals) and enter freshwaters such as streams, rivers, and lakes.
Miracidium hatch from the egg and begin to actively search for a suitable intermediate host. Typical intermediate hosts include mollusks and freshwater snails. Miracidium penetrates the intermediate host and develops into mother
sporocysts. The sporocysts multiply via asexual reproduction to produce daughter sporocysts, which enter the digestive system of the intermediate host and evolve into
cercariae. The cercariae are excreted from the snail and become free-living organisms in bodies of freshwater.
Definitive host Cercariae actively search for their definitive host and enter by penetrating the skin of the mammal. Once in the
bloodstream, the cercariae begin to transform into adults. The young adults circulate in the blood and pass through the lungs until residing in the liver and reaching full maturity. Mature adults may release eggs that migrate to the lumen of the intestines and are excreted in the feces. This starts the life cycle for the next generation. ==Species==