Post on 16-Dec-2015
By Chas Voigt and Brian Shockley
University of Nebraska - LincolnSchool of Biological Sciences
School of Psychology
Classification Domain Eukaryota - eukaryotes Kingdom Animalia Linnaeus, 1758 - animals Subkingdom Bilateria (Hatschek
, 1888) Cavalier-Smith, 1983 - bilaterians Branch Protostomia Grobben, 1908 - protostomes Infrakingdom "Lophotrochozoa" - lophotrochozoans Superphylum Eutrochozoa Phylum Annelida Lamarck, 1809 - segmented worms Superclass Clitellata Class Hirudinea Lamarck, 1818 - leeches Subclass Euhirudinea Lukin, 1956 - true leeches Order Rhynchobdellida Blanchard, 1894 Family Glossiphoniidae Subfamily Glossiphoniinae™ Johnson, 1816 Genus Placobdella Placobdella ornata (Verrill, 1872)
Addison Emery VerrillNamed Placobdella ornata in
1872First Professor of Zoology at
Yale UniversityCurator at Yale Peabody
MuseumPublished more than 350
papers and monographsDescribed more than 1,000
species
Placobdella ornataPossess 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 sidesTwo suckers
EnvironmentMost commonly found feeding on the soft
body regions of turtles in aquatic conditionsCommonly 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 TimeReproduction very oddHermaphrodites yet not asexualPenetrate partner with spermatophoreCocoon secreted by clitellum is fertilizedMommy cares for young until developed
CultureToday, leeches are still
seen as a blood sucking parasiteNew movement for using
leeches in hospitals is reemergingNontraditional 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 historyBlood Misconceptions19th 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
MedicineLeech saliva contains antiseptic chemicalsEmit Huridin while feedingSecretions thin blood to prevent coagulationUsed after reconstructive surgery Promotes blood circulation
Capable of feeding twice a year
Ingests 5x body weight
Mutualistic Relationships
Indicator Species
Most won’t feed on you!