Spotted Leech [Placobdella parasitica]
Description
The Spotted Leech, or Placobdella parasitica, is a leech species that is primarily found in North America. It has a dark brown body with lighter brown spots. It is a parasitic species that prefers amphibian hosts, especially the common frog. It can also be found in various freshwater environments including streams and ponds.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Rhynchobdellida
Rhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Glossiphoniids
Glossiphoniidae
|
| Genus |
Placobdella
Placobdella
|