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Giant Leech — printable fact sheet
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Giant Leech
Haementeria ghilianii
The giant leech is one of the world's largest leech species, native to South America. It can grow up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in length, making it a strikingly large invertebrate. This freshwater parasite uses a long proboscis to feed on the blood of aquatic animals, such a…
Did you know?
- The proboscis of the giant leech can extend up to 15 centimeters, allowing it to feed on hosts much larger than itself.
- The giant leech can extend its body to more than double its resting length when searching for food. It is known for its stealthy feeding method, using a long proboscis to pierce hosts and draw blood. Scientists rediscovered the species in the 1970s after it was believed to be extinct for nearly a century.
What I learned
Draw the giant leech
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