What is the difference between rhabditiform and filariform larvae of hookworms?

The difference between rhabditiform and filariform larvae of hookworms is as follows: 1. rhabditiform - juvenile stage 1 The larvae grow and molt in the soil, and later tr…ansform into a juvenile stage 2. 2. rhabditiform - juvenile stage 2 Juvenile stage 1 molts a second time, then becomes juvenile stage 3. 3. filariform - juvenile stage 3, the infective form The molting and growth process from rhabditiform to filariform usually take 5 to 10 days. Filariform larvae can penetrate human skin, travel through the blood vessels and heart, eventually entering the lungs where they can interfere with breathing and cause other respiratory problems. ( Full Answer )