Medicinal Leech

Hirudo medicinalis

Explore the Medicinal Leech (Hirudo medicinalis) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Medicinal Leech is a freshwater blood-feeding annelid of ponds and marshes in Europe and Asia. It locates vertebrate hosts with sensory cues and releases anticoagulant compounds while feeding. Historically and modernly used in certain medical settings, it depends on healthy wetland habitat.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Segmented worms › Earthworms and leeches › Hirudinida › Hirudinidae › Hirudo

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: Asia, Europe

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Medicinal leech saliva contains hirudin, a substance that prevents blood from clotting.