Leeches are segmented parasitic or predatory worms that comprise the subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the oligochaetes, which include the earthworm, and like them have soft, muscular segmented bodies that can lengthen and contract.

leech, (subclass Hirudinea), any of about 650 species of segmented worms (phylum Annelida) characterized by a small sucker, which contains the mouth, at the anterior end of the body and a large sucker located at the posterior end. All leeches have 34 body segments.

The Hirudinea, or true leeches, are highly specialized clitellates, separated from other annelid groups by the presence of an anterior circumoral sucker and a posterior ventral sucker. They represent a relatively small monophyletic group of annelids.

Leeches are subdivided first into suborders based on anatomical adaptations for feeding. The Rhynchobdellida, as their name implies, have a muscular proboscis that allows them to feed on blood drawn from tissues beneath an organism's skin that are well supplied by blood vessels.

Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea. Like the oligochaetes, such as earthworms, leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, they differ from the oligochaetes in significant ways.

5 days ago · The meaning of HIRUDINEA is a class of hermaphroditic aquatic, terrestrial, or parasitic annelid worms distinguished by a coelom nearly obliterated by connective tissue and reduced to a series of vascular sinuses, by modification of the hindmost segments into a sucking disk, and by the absence of parapodia and setae.

Apr 1, 2021 · Leeches (Hirudinea) constitute a relatively small monophyletic group of highly specialized annelids, but may play important roles as invertebrate predators in freshwater, while others are...

The class Hirudinea comprises two orders: Arhynchobdellida and Rhynchobdellida: The arhynchobdellids are divided into three families: Haemopidae, Hirudinidae, and Erpobdellidae. The haemopids and hirudinids have relatively large …

Learn about the leech (Hirudinea spp.) benthic macroinvertebrate by exploring the life cycle, feeding habitats, interesting facts and its role in the food chain. Watch videos of the live benthics to see how they move and view pictures of their different life stages.

The class Hirudinea in the phylum Annelida (segmented worms) comprises the leeches, the most highly specialized of the major annelid groups. Leeches are typically dorsoventrally flattened annelids with suckers at both ends and 34 body segments (designated I-XXXIV) which are externally divided into a number of annuli.