Notes cover characteristics of leeches

1. Phylum: AnnelidaPhylum: Annelida
Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
By Mr. “#1 AFC” ChapmanBy Mr. “#1 AFC” Chapman

2. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
 LeechesLeeches
 There are aboutThere are about
500 species500 species
 Most freshwater,Most freshwater,
others are marineothers are marine
or terrestrial.or terrestrial.

3. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
 Leeches prey on small invertebratesLeeches prey on small invertebrates
or feed on the body fluids ofor feed on the body fluids of
vertebrates.vertebrates.

4. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
 Leeches lack two appendagesLeeches lack two appendages
– ParapodiaParapodia
– HeadHead

5. HirudineaHirudinea
 The first anterior and posteriorThe first anterior and posterior
segements are modified into suckers.segements are modified into suckers.

7. HirudineaHirudinea
 Other annelids move like a snakeOther annelids move like a snake
back and forth.back and forth.
 Leeches move up and downLeeches move up and down
 On land they use suckers to attachOn land they use suckers to attach
and move forward.and move forward.

9. Hirudinea DigestionHirudinea Digestion
 Leeches feed on body fluids or entireLeeches feed on body fluids or entire
bodies of invertebrates.bodies of invertebrates.
 Are leeches Parasites?Are leeches Parasites?
– NONO
 They feed on living animals for aThey feed on living animals for a
short time and do not require themshort time and do not require them
for anything except foodfor anything except food
 Leeches are more like a predatorLeeches are more like a predator

10. FeedingFeeding
 Leeches are class specific. Means?Leeches are class specific. Means?
 If they feed on a frog, they will onlyIf they feed on a frog, they will only
feed on other amphibians, but not afeed on other amphibians, but not a
fish or a reptile.fish or a reptile.

12. FeedingFeeding
 There salivary glands secrete anThere salivary glands secrete an
anticoagulant, which prevents bloodanticoagulant, which prevents blood
from clotting.from clotting.
– hirudinhirudin
 If blood clot in leeches gut then itIf blood clot in leeches gut then it
would kill the leech.would kill the leech.

13. ReproductionReproduction
 Are hermaphroditicAre hermaphroditic
 Use a clitellum likeUse a clitellum like
earthwormsearthworms