The leech appears in the biblical Book of Proverbs as an archetype of insatiable greed. [1] The term "leech" is used to characterise a person who takes without giving, living at the expense of others. [2]

Dec 26, 2025 · Leech, (subclass Hirudinea), any of about 650 species of segmented worms (phylum Annelida) characterized by a small sucker, which contains the mouth, at the anterior end of the body …

Aug 20, 2021 · Learn how to safely and quickly remove a leech, as well as how to recognize a leech and when to seek immediate medical treatment.

In fact, they’re known as predatory worms because they attach themselves to animals and can cause death if too many are attached to one and remain connected for too long. There are, however, some …

The meaning of LEECH is any of numerous carnivorous or bloodsucking usually freshwater annelid worms (class Hirudinea) that have typically a flattened lanceolate segmented body with a sucker at …

May 27, 2024 · The leech (Hirudinea) is a predator and blood-sucking parasite that is native to almost every continent. This aquatic worm is a member of the Annelida phylum, which means it’s related to …

The medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, which is native to Europe, and its congeners have been used for clinical bloodletting for thousands of years. Some species of leech will nurture their young, …

Sep 12, 2025 · Leech therapy has been investigated for its analgesic and wound healing effects, and for stimulating blood flow at postsurgical sites. Use in osteoarthritis has also been investigated.

Different leech species specialize in different hosts, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and snails. They usually secrete an enzyme that prevents the host’s blood from clotting, as well as an …

Leech classification is arranged so that families and genera tend to include members with similar ecological and physiological tolerances. Based on the sister group, Branchiobdellida or crayfish …