Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Leech


Order: Hirudinea

Size range

  • Size dependent on feeding. Unfed small, fully fed 2–3 times as big

Distribution

  • New Zealand and introduced

Life History

  • Found in still water, drains and ponds
  • Segmented like worms
  • Some species can attach to animals or humans and suck blood

Additional images