Australian Biological Resources Study

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Family HIRUDINIDAE Whitman, 1886

Introduction

Freshwater and amphibious leeches that typically feed on the blood of vertebrates, but are also known to feed on invertebrates including oligochaetes and other leeches. Members of this family are known for the medicinal properties of their salivary extracts and are used in plastic surgery.

 

Diagnosis

Three jaws armed with teeth or a cutting edge.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
02-Jun-2011 MODIFIED