Introduction
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Clitellata
Order: Hirudinea
Family: Hirudidae
Genus: Hirudo
Species: H. medicinalis
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Clitellata
Order: Hirudinea
Family: Hirudidae
Genus: Hirudo
Species: H. medicinalis
Many people when they think of leeches think of the disgusting aspect of the way they feed on blood but in early medical times leeches where one of the main components for treatment and disease control! Leeches were highly valued and even became endangered because they were in such high demand. So instead of seeing a leech and wanted to stomp on it, pick it up and examine it because it probably saved someone's life with its interesting apatite. Hirudo medicinalis, commonly named medical leeches, are invertebrates belonging to the same Phylum (Annelida) as the commonly known earthworms. However, medical leeches have unique characteristics that separate them from earthworms. Medical leeches are ectoparasites, meaning they have to penetrate the skin to begin feeding on the blood of mammals and are very well adapted for their lifestyle with 3 sharp teeth. They reside in fresh water lakes and ponds and are amphibious, needing both water and land (Sawyer 1986).