Stuff You Should Know Leeches: Oh Hell No!
Feb 15, 2022
Dive into the eerie yet fascinating world of leeches! Discover their surprising medical applications and the myths surrounding these blood-suckers. From the terrifying Amazon leeches to historical accounts, the hosts blend humor with insightful anecdotes. Explore their unique biology, including anticoagulant saliva, and the role of leeches in modern medicine. Plus, hear personal tales tied to childhood fears of leeches and a nostalgic look at past celebrities. It's a captivating mix of creepy, funny, and educational!
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Leech Biology
- Leeches are segmented worms with 32 body segments, similar to earthworms.
- They move using suckers on both ends, the anterior (oral) for feeding and the posterior (anal) for locomotion.
Land Leech Behavior
- Land leeches exhibit tick-like behavior, waiting on vegetation for a host.
- Both land leeches and ticks detect prey through CO2 emissions.
Leech Brains
- Leeches have two brains, not 32, one at each end of their body.
- Ganglia, relay stations between the brains, exist in segments, allowing autonomous function.