![]() This extraordinary creature also grows by molting, which means it sheds its skin and grows a new one. Leeches from tropical regions are known to grow larger than other types of leeches. The kind of species, habitat, and environment in which they live all affect their size and growth. However, these tiny creatures can grow to be 16 inches long. ![]() If you’ve ever seen a leech, you’ll know that they’re usually about an inch long. Can reach 16 inches in length Leech isolated on white These creatures mate by intertwining their bodies and depositing sperm into each other’s ovaries.įertilization will occur after this, and eggs will be released and deposited in a cocoon made of thick gelatin that they bury or attach to a rock, usually in damp soil. They have four to ten pairs of testes that produce sperm and deposit them in the clitellar area of other leeches. Leeches are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They also have a painless bite, which causes animals, including humans, to be unaware that they have a leech attached to them. Humans use these leeches to help with blood circulation when there is blood congestion or injury. You may also like: 12 of the Longest Living Scorpions (With Pictures) There are, however, some leech species that are used in medicine. In fact, they’re known as predatory worms because they attach themselves to animals and can cause death if too many are attached to one and remain connected for too long. Leeches are best known as bloodsuckers, which is a behavioral characteristic where they use their suckers with tiny teeth to bite into a host’s skin and then suck up blood. Leeches’ two hearts, 32 brains, and ten stomachs are also among the things that make them one of the most fascinating species on the planet.īecause of this, leeches can store large amounts of blood in their stomachs before digesting, and studies even show that their central nervous system can fully repair after injury. As for swimming, they move like an eel in the water to move in any direction they want. It travels like an inchworm by using its suckers to push the body forward. However, these worms have a unique way of moving forward and swimming.Įach end of a leech’s body has a sucker that helps move forward. Leeches are worms and have no legs, so they can’t walk or run. They also have chemical receptors and sensory organs that enable them to track their prey by sensing their movement and any changes in their surroundings. This enables the leech to locate its prey even when it can’t see it clearly. Since they have poor vision, they’ve created a system in which each eye sends signals to the brain whenever it detects light (or movement). ![]() Their eyes have 50 photoreceptors arranged in five pairs at the anterior end. But despite this, its vision isn’t particularly good. Leeches also have flattened bodies, which allows them to stay on the side of rocks and fit into small crevices where they can hide from predators. The body is divided into many segments, which are usually 33 or 34.Įach of these segments has its own organs that work together to ensure the survival of this species. Leech segmentation is a distinct feature of their anatomy. Have 34 body segments Leech on white table Here are some lesser known characteristics of leeches. 8 Characteristics of leechesĪ leech’s head has suckers that allows it to attach itself to fish and other animals so it can drink blood from this host. On the other hand, physical characteristics differentiate an animal, such as eye color, height, or weight. There are two kinds of characteristics: behavioral and physical.īehavioral characteristics are the things an animal does that distinguish it from others, such as how it lives, moves, or reproduces. This article will go over some interesting characteristics of leeches.Ī characteristic is something that distinguishes a person, animal, or thing. Leeches are mostly aquatic creatures that live in freshwater environments, there are over 1000 species found worldwide. Leeches are primarily known for being parasites and bloodsuckers, but they are actually one of the most fascinating animals on the planet.
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