Antarctic Leech [Glossiphonia antarctica]
Description
The Glossiphonia antarctica, or Antarctic Leech, is a species of leech that is unique to the Antarctic region. They are cold-water species and can survive in extremely low temperatures. They are characterized by a flattened body and are typically darker in color. Their primary source of food includes small invertebrates and they exhibit a unique behavior of laying eggs in cocoons.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Arhynchobdellida
Arhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Glossiphoniidae
Glossiphoniidae
|
| Genus |
Glossiphonia
Glossiphonia
|