'''Leeches''' are annelids or segmented [[worms]], which are classified as similar to earthworms. Although they are genetically similar, their behavior and anatomy are more specialized. They feed by clinging onto a host body and sucking their [[blood]]. Leeches mainly reside in fresh water [[lakes]] or swamps and their presence is usually undesired. Some species are also capable of living on land or in the ocean. Leeches have been used extensively in medicine for over 2000 years, and are still used to treat diseases such as [[gangrene]] even today.<ref>http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/article.html?article_id=49262</ref> | '''Leeches''' are annelids or segmented [[worms]], which are classified as similar to earthworms. Although they are genetically similar, their behavior and anatomy are more specialized. They feed by clinging onto a host body and sucking their [[blood]]. Leeches mainly reside in fresh water [[lakes]] or swamps and their presence is usually undesired. Some species are also capable of living on land or in the ocean. Leeches have been used extensively in medicine for over 2000 years, and are still used to treat diseases such as [[gangrene]] even today.<ref>http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/article.html?article_id=49262</ref> |