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Leeches That Eat Red Wigglers

There are two main groups of leeches: true leeches that have both anterior and posterior suckers and those that lack an anterior sucker. Beyond that, leeches are grouped into three categories based on their feeding habits: the Gnatbobdellida (jawed) group, the Rhyncobdellida (jawless) and the Pharyngobdellida (jawless and toothless). Many of these species feed on or ingest red wigglers. Interestingly, the red wiggler, also known as the redworm or earthworm, is the closest relative of the leech.

Where Leeches Are Found
- Freshwater leeches cling to rocks and vegetation near slow running streams.
  
  Leeches live in moist, damp areas under rocks and stones or near aquatic environments where redworms live. Most leech species do not enter into water and are incapable of swimming. Leeches can dehydrate with the soil and live for up to several months during drought conditions without food or water. After a period of drought, a leech only requires a few drops of water to rehydrate.
Gnatbobdellida
- Leeches are used to treat varicose veins, circulatory disorders and arthritis.
  
  Gnatbobdellida have jaws that latch onto its host (mammals, fish and birds) and infuse an anti-clotting chemical called hirudin. However, when a preferred host is not available this group of leeches will also eat worms such as the red wiggler. This group of leeches are the most recognized of all leech species. Species such as Macrobdellida decora in New Hampshire are known to feed on humans regularly. Only a small percentage of leeches are of the blood sucking category.
Ryancobdellida
- Leeches and red wigglers share the characteristic of ringed bodies thus both are annelids.
  
  The Ryancobdellida are jawless and have a protruding, retractable probiscus that releases an anticoagulant called hematin into the host's blood. Rynocobdellida feed on worms such as red wigglers as well as freshwater clams and water snails. Unlike other leeches, Ryancobdellida lack a male reproductive organ. Instead, during reproduction the male produces reproductive secretions through the body wall to fertilize the female.
Arynchobdellidas
- The Arynchobdellida are worm leeches that are toothless and jawless; therefore, they eat their prey whole. The main diet of this family of leeches are small invertebrates, such as red wigglers. Although leeches are nearly blind, they respond to light, vibrations and taste to find food. When leeches move, they do so in the same manner as the inch worm.

Animals & Science