Giant leeches may benefit ecosystems
For immediate release ‐ July 17, 2023
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
The largest terrestrial leech in the South, Haemopis septagon, has terrifying eating habits. Yet, its presence in pristine ecosystems indicates that it might be beneficial in a way yet to be discovered.
“A wise tinker saves all the pieces,” says NC Museum of Natural Sciences Emeritus Curator Alvin Braswell, “It’s a little dangerous to discard pieces simply because you don’t know them or understand them.”
This video was shot in the Museum’s Non-Molluscan Invertebrate Lab with the help of Dr. Bronwyn Williams. SciNC’s Rossie Izlar produced the segment.
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