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larose forest photos | all galleries >> Galleries >> Non-insect Arthropods: Spiders, Isopods, Millipedes, etc. > Leech, probably Macrobdella decora
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28-APR-2014 Christine Hanrahan

Leech, probably Macrobdella decora

I think this is probably Macrobdella decora, a large freshwater leech (this one was about 2 inches). I found this one seemingly feeding on wood frog eggs (those black dots) in a large trailside drainage ditch, while wood frog tadpoles swam around it, and water striders, water boatmen, and caddisfly larvae were also abundant. The Macrobdella decora is known to feed on amphibian eggs, although it prefers blood. Once it has fed, it can last up to a year or more without feeding.

Roadside/trailside ditches, ponds permanent and ephemeral, are fascinating places!

Panasonic LUMIX FZ200
1/400s f/2.8 at 108.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Robert Ballard03-May-2014 22:23
It sounds like there's lots going on in that ditch.
Guest 01-May-2014 01:11
Medical blood letting "device" in former days, now making a comeback it seems. Astonishing find.
hayl01-May-2014 00:40
It looks prehistoric - so much life in one ditch.
Margot W30-Apr-2014 23:54
Amazing facts. Good eyes to find this one as it looks quite camouflaged.
Chris Spracklen30-Apr-2014 22:44
It does better than me ~ I can barely go an hour without feeding! :o)
Love the info and unusual image! *V*
Carl Carbone30-Apr-2014 22:31
Cool find and great shot and info! Too bad about the wood frog eggs, but I guess it has to eat too.
janescottcumming30-Apr-2014 21:26
Fascinating photo and information. V
Graeme30-Apr-2014 21:02
Very nice find and plenty of info about it as well..BV
John Reynolds LRPS30-Apr-2014 21:02
Horrible but fascinating!
LynnH30-Apr-2014 20:56
Ugh... makes me twitch to see it. Great shot though. V
Buz Kiefer30-Apr-2014 20:55
Surprised to see them this far north. Nice photo of an interesting subject. V
Jim Coffman30-Apr-2014 20:51
Yikes, I didn't know you had these things in Canada!
Karen Stuebing30-Apr-2014 20:32
These look very different close up. Super detail especially shooting through water. V.
Raymond30-Apr-2014 20:17
Wow, that sucks! Great catch X-tine
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