Annelida - Segmented Worms and Leeches
Oligochaeta - Earthworms, etc.
species
Hirudinea - Leeches
Duck Leech - Theromyzon tessulatum - ??? pióca
species ???
Nematomorpha - Horsehair Worms
species ???
Horsehair Worm or Hair Worm (Gordius sp.). They belong to a little known phylum group, the Nematomorpha. The worm-like adult stage is found in water, and does not appear to feed, but only breeds. The larvae, which hatch from sticky eggs, are parasitic and seek out hosts in the water. Eventually, the larvae end-up with terrestrial hosts, such a grasshoppers and Praying Mantis. Once they have become mature worms, they somehow affect the brain of the host, 'hypnotising' it to go into water, even though it will most likely drown. The worms can sense that the host is in the water, and emerge via the vent of the host. The whole process then starts again. We are not sure if all of the hosts die, or whether some can survive this infestation.