Leeches

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Sensitive Benthos

Moderately Tolerant Benthos

Pollution Tolerant Benthos

Erpobdella leech (Mark E. Siddall and Eugene M. Burreson)

Erpobdella punctata

Description:

worm-like; flattened lengthwise and possess a sucker at each end; color is green, black, brown or grey, some with patterns of bright colors of yellow and red; length up to five inches.

Reproduction:

hermaphroditic, similar to aquatic worms.

Food:

some species feed on blood, others eat detritus, decaying plant and animal debris; not an important food source for fish in most species.

Scientific Name:

Phylum: Annelida
Class: Hirudinea

Indicator Role:

abundance of leeches are generally considered indicators of very poor water quality, especially in running waters.

Information Source:

McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.