Red-Striped Leech

"Red-Striped Leech"
Leeches are segmented parasitic or predatory worms. That have soft, muscular, segmented bodies with 34 segments, that can lengthen and contract. Having suckers at both ends, one for anchoring and one for feeding. The body is relatively solid, with small body cavity channels that can be filled with blood. The mouth encloses three jaws,in a Y pattern, each equipped with small saw teeth. Leeches move from one place to another by walking or swimming in a looping manner.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Leeches have a soft, 34 segmented body and 2 sets of suckers, one on each end. One for anchoring and one for feeding. In the head they have three sets of saw teeth with a total of 300 tiny, razor-sharp, highly effective cutting instruments in those three sets. Each of the jaws and teeth makes a separate incision, forming a cut that initiates blood flow. In between the teeth, there are ducts that release an anesthetic and anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing quickly.

Genetics and Reproduction

Hermaphrodites that reproduce by sexual mating and laying eggs in clutches of up to 50. The eggs are enclosed in a cocoon which is usually attached to something solid, but terrestrial species often hide the cocoon in shaded, humid places, under a log or in a crevice, while others keep their babies (as many as 300) in the stomach.

Ecology and Habitats

The preferred habitat for this species is muddy freshwater pools and ditches with plentiful weed growth in temperate climates.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Leeches are hematophagous, requiring and feeding on blood by attaching themselves to a host with a sucker, first secreting the peptide hirudin to prevent the blood from clotting. They also have the ability to feed in large amounts (about 5 times their body weight) and store nutrients for future use. Many species can survive for about one year after having a blood meal. They use the preserved food for survival.

Biological Cycle

When cold times arrive, the leeches burrow into the muddy bottom and hibernate until warmer weather.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Usually occur singularly or in groups up to 4 in a particular area.

Domestication

The smaller river leeches may be collected and raised in tanks for medicinal purposes.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The secreted saliva containing about 60 different proteins. These achieve a wide variety of goals useful to the leech as it feeds, and can be useful in healing. They deter blood clotting, increase the blood flow, and reduce pain.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The majority of leeches live in freshwater environments, while some species can be found in terrestrial and marine environments.

Average Intelligence

Instinctual.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision, Blood Detection,

Scientific Name

Macrobdella Decora

Conservation Status

Common Species in swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Average Length

2 to 8 feet long.

Average Physique

Undulating flat worm.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Leeches are brown or black-colored worms with a darker tone on the top side and a lighter under side. There is an identifying red stripe running down the length of it's back.