Jawed Leech [Placobdella ornata]
Description
The Jawed Leech, or Placobdella ornata, is a hematophagous (bloodsucking) leech found in North America. It has a complex pattern of black, yellow and red bands throughout its body. It is usually found in freshwater environments and feeds on a variety of hosts, including turtles, amphibians, and fishes.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Rhynchobdellida
Rhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Glossiphoniids
Glossiphoniidae
|
| Genus |
Placobdella
Placobdella
|