American bloodsucking leech [Theromyzon tessulatum]
Description
The American bloodsucking leech, Theromyzon tessulatum, is an aquatic invertebrate that is found predominantly in the wetlands of North America. It is typically light brown or pinkish in color and can grow up to 10 centimeters in length. This leech species is known for its suctorial behavior, attaching itself to a host organism to feed on its blood. It is usually found in slow-moving or stagnant bodies of water and often attaches to waterfowl and amphibians. Distinguishing features include a body that is flattened dorsoventrally and an anterior and posterior sucker used for attachment and locomotion.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Rhynchobdellida
Rhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Glossiphoniids
Glossiphoniidae
|
| Genus |
Theromyzon
Theromyzon
|