Class Hirudinea Notes

Notes cover characteristics of leeches

1. Phylum: AnnelidaPhylum: Annelida
Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
By Mr. “#1 AFC” ChapmanBy Mr. “#1 AFC” Chapman

2. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
LeechesLeeches
There are about There are about
500 species500 species
Most freshwater, Most freshwater,
others are marine others are marine
or terrestrial.or terrestrial.

3. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
Leeches prey on small invertebrates Leeches prey on small invertebrates
or feed on the body fluids of or feed on the body fluids of
vertebrates.vertebrates.

4. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
Leeches lack two appendagesLeeches lack two appendages
–ParapodiaParapodia
–HeadHead

5. HirudineaHirudinea
The first anterior and posterior The first anterior and posterior
segements are modified into suckers.segements are modified into suckers.

7. HirudineaHirudinea
Other annelids move like a snake Other annelids move like a snake
back and forth.back and forth.
Leeches move up and downLeeches move up and down
On land they use suckers to attach On land they use suckers to attach
and move forward.and move forward.

9. Hirudinea DigestionHirudinea Digestion
Leeches feed on body fluids or entire Leeches feed on body fluids or entire
bodies of invertebrates.bodies of invertebrates.
Are leeches Parasites?Are leeches Parasites?
–NONO
They feed on living animals for a They feed on living animals for a
short time and do not require them short time and do not require them
for anything except foodfor anything except food
Leeches are more like a predatorLeeches are more like a predator

10. FeedingFeeding
Leeches are class specific. Means?Leeches are class specific. Means?
If they feed on a frog, they will only If they feed on a frog, they will only
feed on other amphibians, but not a feed on other amphibians, but not a
fish or a reptile.fish or a reptile.

12. FeedingFeeding
There salivary glands secrete an There salivary glands secrete an
anticoagulant, which prevents blood anticoagulant, which prevents blood
from clotting.from clotting.
–hirudinhirudin
If blood clot in leeches gut then it If blood clot in leeches gut then it
would kill the leech.would kill the leech.

13. ReproductionReproduction
Are hermaphroditicAre hermaphroditic
Use a clitellum like Use a clitellum like
earthwormsearthworms