Vampires of the Water

Although many people think of leeches as being blood feeders, only a few use blood as a food source. Leeches are types of flatworms. The majority of our leeches are actually scavengers or decomposers. If a full blood meal has been obtained, often the leech will store the meal for some time. Among humans, anglers have learned to appreciate the leech as a valuable bait source.

Today's photo is of the scutate snail leech (Helobdella stagnalis) feeding on a freshwater snail. Photo used with permission from www.nature.ca/rideau/ i/index-e.html

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