Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea. source
Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea.
The oligochaetes, such as earthwor leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. source
The oligochaetes, such as earthwor leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites.
Leeches differ from the oligochaetes in significant ways. source
Leeches differ from the oligochaetes in significant ways.
Leeches do not have bristles and the external segmentation of their bodies does not correspond with the internal segmentation of their organs. source
Leeches do not have bristles and the external segmentation of their bodies does not correspond with the internal segmentation of their organs.
Leeches's bodies are much more solid as the spaces in their coelom are dense with connective tissues. source
Leeches's bodies are much more solid as the spaces in their coelom are dense with connective tissues.
Leeches have two suckers, one at each end. source
Leeches have two suckers, one at each end.
The majority of leeches live in freshwater environments, while some species can be found in terrestrial and marine environments. source
The majority of leeches live in freshwater environments, while some species can be found in terrestrial and marine environments.
The best-known leeches, such as the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, are hematophagous, source
The best-known leeches, such as the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, are hematophagous,
Leeches feeding on vertebrate blood and invertebrate hemolymph. source
Leeches feeding on vertebrate blood and invertebrate hemolymph.
Almost 700 species of leeches are currently recognized, of which some 100 are marine, 90 terrestrial and the remainder freshwater taxa. source
Almost 700 species of leeches are currently recognized, of which some 100 are marine, 90 terrestrial and the remainder freshwater taxa.
Leeches, such as the Hirudo medicinalis, have been historically used in medicine to remove blood from patients. source
Leeches, such as the Hirudo medicinalis, have been historically used in medicine to remove blood from patients.
The practice of leeching can be traced to ancient India and Greece, source
The practice of leeching can be traced to ancient India and Greece,
Most leech species, however, are predatory, feeding primarily by swallowing other invertebrates. source
Most leech species, however, are predatory, feeding primarily by swallowing other invertebrates.
In modern times, leeches are used medically in procedures such as the reattachment of body parts and reconstructive and plastic surgeries. source
In modern times, leeches are used medically in procedures such as the reattachment of body parts and reconstructive and plastic surgeries.
in Germany,leeches are used medically in procedures treating osteoarthritis. source
in Germany,leeches are used medically in procedures treating osteoarthritis.
