Characteristics of Life Leeches.

is a group of animals in the family of segmented worms (Annelida) that have a flat body and have blood-sucking devices at the end of their heads and tails. About three-quarters of leech species live as parasites that suck the blood of their hosts, while the rest are predators. Taxonomically, these animals are grouped as a subclass Hirudinea. These animals are related to Oligocheata (such as earthworms) which both have soft, muscular, segmented bodies, can be shortened and elongated, have clitellum, and are hermaphrodites. Leeches are distinguished from their relatives by their two suckers, as well as by the mismatch between their outer body rings and their inner body segments. The body is muscular and relatively solid. Unlike other annelids which have a large coelom (body cavity), the coelom of leeches has turned into small ducts.