May 30, 2006

Something You Didn't Want to Know

Going with a parasite is pretty much cheating when you are tracking down ugly critters. Can any of you find a good looking or cute bloodsucker? Consider yourself challenged.

Here is a famous parasite - the ban of many a toe or barefoot - the leech. This particular specimen - a hermaphroditic cousin to the worm - is one of the few haemophagic leeches, meaning they feed on blood. One of their main predators are other leeches that specialize in eating leeches. That might be one of the most gross and disgusting little factoids I have ever posted. I'm going to go vomit.

Photo courtesy:
www.io.com

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