How to Identify Leeches
Leeches can be found in watery areas such as ponds, streams and lakes. They usually prefer freshwater habitats, but some species live on moist land such as a rainforest, and others are marine animals. They are parasites that feed off of the blood of other animals and even humans. While there are 500 species of leeches with slight variations in appearance, there are several criteria you can use to determine whether the creature you are observing is a leech.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Look for leeches in bodies of water and areas near water.
-
2
Look for brown or black coloration. Leeches are always black or brown in color.
-
-
3
Check the length. Depending on whether they are starved or have recently fed, leeches will alter slightly in shape and size.Their length is usually between 1/4 inch and 12 inches.
-
4
Examine the ends. A leech has a sucker at each end of its body.
-
5
Look for "feet" or parapodia. Leeches do not have feet; they are wormlike in appearance. So if a creature has feet, it's not a leech.
-
6
Check for a bite mark or trace of blood if the suspected leech was found on your body. Leeches draw blood by puncturing the skin with a proboscis or with their mouths and small teeth. Their bites are not painful, however, since the leeches create their own anesthetic.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
