European Medicinal Leech

Hirudo verbana

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

Summary

The European Medicinal Leech is a freshwater predatory and blood-feeding annelid of ponds and other still waters in Europe and western Asia. It detects prey through chemical and vibration cues and uses jaws and anticoagulant saliva when feeding. Leeches have been used in medicine, and wetland loss and collection can affect local populations.

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] European medicinal leeches are bred for microsurgery, where they can help restore blood flow to healing tissue.