Is a type of nematode worm that is found under the leech, consisting of about 600 species, and belonging to the phylum Nematomorpha.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
Facts about The Leech
· The Leech has been used on many diseases, and it was first described by Geoffroy in 1830 when he observed its effect on blood.
· It was used in an attempt to cure everything from hemorrhoids to headaches and depression.
· You can obtain these worms from captive breeding groups raised in controlled environments to help reduce the likelihood of infection.
· The leech has small blood-sucking species, small saw-like rows, and an apparatus located at the front part of the head next to the suction ring.
· Leeches do not feed in light and begin moving to search for food sources during darkness.
· Leeches can sense changes in water temperature through a group of heads, providing alerts when there are polluted waters to escape from such areas.
· When sensing danger, the leech coils itself and jumps to the bottom of the water, without motion. Its ability to withstand strong currents between water rocks is also remarkable.
· The more blood leeches can access from warm-blooded animals, the faster they mature and increase the number of eggs they lay.
The Leech specifications:
Appearance and color:
The leech has a neutral coloration with various shades including green, dark brown, and red, somewhat resembling a thread.
Skin:
its skin has longitudinal lines, but when its skin is stretched, has transverse folds along the body.
Length:
The leech’s body ranges from 1 cm to 15 cm
The head:
At the front of its head, it has paired eyes ranging from 4-10 depending on the species.
Vision:
The leech has poor vision and relies on vibrations it senses when affected by any animal, as it has sensory cells on its surface that respond to these stimuli.
Age:
The leech can survive for up to 10 years and can remain alive for up to 10 years.
The feed of Leech:
The leech feeds on the blood of prey, being a protein eater, it does not consume algae, hence scientists call them aquatic worms. They absorb blood entirely through a suction cup with only three highly serrated jaws, piercing prey and secreting various chemicals.
Where does the leech live?
Leeches are found worldwide, some living in freshwater while few live in brackish water. Some even live in New York City’s water. They must be highly efficient so as not to freeze during winter
the reproduction stages of leeches
The leech is unique in that it possesses both independent and female reproductive organs, yet it can mate without needing a partner for reproduction.
It attaches a large number of eggs and lays them in strands or stores them in its body. Fertilization occurs between April and October when the leech lays up to 30 eggs in a strand in humidity to prevent drying out. After six weeks, and young ones emerge, growing up to 16 mm.
FAQ:
- How does a leech attach to human blood?
They pierce human skin with their teeth and introduce blood anticoagulants into the body through saliva.
- What are the benefits of leeches?
The leech secretes chemicals that help prevent clotting and are used in clot prevention. They help treat various diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, and other conditions. Some doctors now use leech extracts to treat dark circles on the face.
- What is the defense mechanism of leeches?
It is essential for them to bury themselves at the right time to hide for a long period.
- What diseases does the leech treat?
Eye’s illnesses, Migraines, All types of muscle diseases, Hemorrhoids
- Is The leech transmit diseases?
They are potential carriers of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
End of our article with a reminder of the importance of leeches and their significant benefits in eliminating many diseases and their importance in achieving environmental balance. We hope we have provided you with useful and valuable information about them.
- References:
- *Wikipedia.org
