By Chas Voigt and Brian Shockley University of Nebraska - Lincoln School of Biological Sciences School of Psychology

Classification  Domain Eukaryota - eukaryotesDomain Eukaryota - eukaryotes  Kingdom Animalia Linnaeus, animalsKingdom Animalia Linnaeus, animals  Subkingdom Bilateria (Hatschek, 1888) Cavalier-Smith, bilateriansSubkingdom Bilateria (Hatschek, 1888) Cavalier-Smith, bilaterians  Branch Protostomia Grobben, protostomesBranch Protostomia Grobben, protostomes  Infrakingdom "Lophotrochozoa" - lophotrochozoansInfrakingdom "Lophotrochozoa" - lophotrochozoans  Superphylum EutrochozoaSuperphylum Eutrochozoa  Phylum Annelida Lamarck, segmented wormsPhylum Annelida Lamarck, segmented worms  Superclass ClitellataSuperclass Clitellata  Class Hirudinea Lamarck, leechesClass Hirudinea Lamarck, leeches  Subclass Euhirudinea Lukin, true leechesSubclass Euhirudinea Lukin, true leeches  Order Rhynchobdellida Blanchard, 1894Order Rhynchobdellida Blanchard, 1894  Family GlossiphoniidaeFamily Glossiphoniidae  Subfamily Glossiphoniinae™ Johnson, 1816Subfamily Glossiphoniinae™ Johnson, 1816  Genus PlacobdellaGenus Placobdella  Placobdella ornata (Verrill, 1872)

Addison Emery Verrill Named Placobdella ornata in 1872 First Professor of Zoology at Yale University Curator at Yale Peabody Museum Published more than 350 papers and monographs Described more than 1,000 species

Placobdella ornata Possess a long protruding proboscis which is relatively weak compared to those of other species of leeches. Between 2-5 centimeters long Contains 34 segments on its body Long dorsally compressed body Groove like sides Two suckers

Environment Most commonly found feeding on the soft body regions of turtles in aquatic conditions Commonly found in vegetation near the feeding or swimming paths of other organisms Predominately found in the Midwest and southern regions in the United States Usually remains in water or a very moist environment Prefer to be in slow or still water

Sexy Time Reproduction very odd Hermaphrodites yet not asexual Penetrate partner with spermatophore Cocoon secreted by clitellum is fertilized Mommy cares for young until developed

Culture Today, leeches are still seen as a blood sucking parasite New movement for using leeches in hospitals is reemerging Nontraditional Doctors still practice with leeches Some still believe leeches remove toxins and “bad blood”

Documented use of leeches over 3000 years old Commonly referred to in French history Blood Misconceptions 19 th century explosion. This desired tomb, in which he is confined, Pours, drop by drop, innocent blood. A thousand evils in his time were done by his cruelty, For which even in Hell each man fears him. This tomb, so long longed for in France! Tomb of the bloodsucker, enemy of God, Who sucked true innocent blood in many places, For which also in Hell he now receives reward! Oh, joyous day on which a hideous death Snatched off this Tyrant, cardinal from Hell, To put him in Great Lucifer's black tomb, Below his mansions, under the shadowy earth! Pierre de L'Estoile, Registre-journal de regne de Henri III

Medicine Leech saliva contains antiseptic chemicals Emit Huridin while feeding Secretions thin blood to prevent coagulation Used after reconstructive surgery Promotes blood circulation

No Pain Increase blood Flow Cheap Many new friends

Capable of feeding twice a year Ingests 5x body weight Mutualistic Relationships Indicator Species Most won’t feed on you!