Rhynchobdellida [Rhynchobdellida]

Description

Rhynchobdellida is an order of leeches characterized by the presence of a proboscis used for feeding, which is housed in a muscular sheath. Members of this order do not have jaws. Instead, they have a long, extendable proboscis that they use to pierce the tissues of their hosts and suck their blood. Rhynchobdellida includes both freshwater and marine species, with marine representatives often found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. These leeches are ectoparasites of fish and other invertebrates. Their body is usually flattened, segmented, and they often exhibit a greenish to brownish coloration, blending with their environment.

Families

Taxonomy