The Jumping Terrestrial Leech: A New Discovery

A new study presents video evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump, behavior that scientists have debated for more than a century, published the footage and corresponding analysis in the journal Biotropica.

Features of the Jumping Terrestrial Leech

During two separate expeditions to Madagascar in 2017 and in 2023, lead author Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University recorded footage of leeches from the genus Chtonobdella coiling back on a leaf and then taking off. The researchers compare this motion to a “backbending cobra,” or to a spring being pulled back. In both cases, the leech keeps its body extended as it soars through the air to the ground, in a notable departure from their usual inchworm-like movements.

Significance of the Discovery

Several other worm-like invertebrates can jump, but the ability of terrestrial leeches in the family Haemadipsidae to do so has been a topic of debate. The identification of the jumping leech as Chtonobdella fallax offers new insights into leech behavior and can contribute to conservation efforts, particularly in surveying vertebrate biodiversity.

Objectives and Effects of the Study

The study aims to provide concrete evidence of a behavior that has long been observed anecdotally but not scientifically documented. By understanding how leeches move and behave, researchers can better study their role in ecosystems and the implications for biodiversity conservation.

Pros and Cons

One potential advantage of the discovery is the increased knowledge of leech behavior, which can inform conservation strategies. On the other hand, the ability of leeches to jump may have implications for human interactions with these creatures, particularly in regions where they are prevalent.

Fun Fact

The jumping behavior of the terrestrial leech adds an intriguing and unexpected dimension to their otherwise slow and deliberate movements, showcasing the diversity of behaviors found in the natural world.

Mutiple Choice Questions

1. What behavior has been captured on video for the first time in a species of terrestrial leech?

A. Swimming
B. Flying
C. Jumping
D. Crawling

Correct Answer: C. Jumping

Explanation: The study reveals that at least one species of terrestrial leech has been observed jumping, a behavior that scientists have debated for over a century. The leech was seen coiling back on a leaf and then taking off, keeping its body extended as it soared through the air to the ground.

1. What motion is the jumping behavior of the leech compared to in the study?

A. Slithering snake
B. Galloping horse
C. Backbending cobra
D. Pouncing tiger

Correct Answer: C. Backbending cobra

Explanation: The researchers compared the leech’s jumping motion to a “backbending cobra” or to a spring being pulled back, highlighting the unique nature of this behavior compared to the typical inchworm-like movements of leeches.

1. Which species of leech was identified as being capable of jumping in the study?

A. Hirudomedicinalis
B. Chtonobdella fallax
C. Ancistrodon piscator
D. Limnatis nilotica

Correct Answer: B. Chtonobdella fallax

Explanation: The lead author of the study collected the jumping leech and identified it as Chtonobdella fallax, a common species in Madagascar. This species exhibited the previously debated jumping behavior.

1. Why is understanding leech behavior important for conservation efforts according to the article?

A. To prevent human-leech conflicts
B. To study their reproduction habits
C. To survey vertebrate biodiversity
D. To protect crops from leech infestations

Correct Answer: C. To survey vertebrate biodiversity

Explanation: The article mentions that understanding overall leech behavior, including their jumping abilities, is essential for conservation efforts as leeches and their blood meals are increasingly being collected to survey vertebrate biodiversity in Madagascar.

1. Which other worm-like invertebrates were mentioned as being able to jump in the article?

A. Earthworms and slugs
B. Centipedes and millipedes
C. Gall midge larvae and Mediterranean fruit fly larvae
D. Roundworms and tapeworms

Correct Answer: C. Gall midge larvae and Mediterranean fruit fly larvae

Explanation: The article lists several other worm-like invertebrates, such as the legless larvae of gall midges and the larvae of Mediterranean fruit flies, as examples of species that are capable of jumping by assuming a loop posture before propelling themselves into the air.

Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS

A study provides video evidence that terrestrial leeches can jump, with footage showing leeches coiling back on a leaf and taking off like a “backbending cobra” or a spring being pulled back. The researchers compared this motion to that of other worm-like invertebrates that can jump. The lead author collected a jumping leech identified as Chtonobdella fallax in Madagascar. This behavior of leeches has been debated for years, with little concrete evidence until now. Understanding leech behavior is important for conservation efforts, particularly in surveying vertebrate biodiversity through leech blood meals.