Video footage and an article published in the journal Biotropica provide the first convincing evidence the Chtonobdella leech can jump with visible energy expenditure.
Researchers Dr. Mai Fahmy and Dr. Michael Tessler published evidence in 2017 and 2023, confirming that at least one terrestrial leech species, Chtonobdella from Madagascar, can jump by curling its body, attaching its rear sucker, and propelling forward.
Leeches like Chtonobdella fallax can climb trees and jump toward prey from the air in a cobra-like manner, a behavior confirmed through video evidence.
During jumps, leeches maintain an elongated form, which may help catch prey or land nearby, although appearing clumsy.
While only a small portion of leeches can potentially jump, finding this behavior in different species suggests it may be more common than expected.
Anecdotal evidence of leeches jumping dates back to 1881, but Fahmy's footage provided the first scientific confirmation and detailed analysis, showing similarities to caterpillars and fly larvae.
Leeches are not the only worm-shaped invertebrates capable of jumping, as legless larvae of hoverflies, fruit flies, and several caterpillars also display this ability.
Scientists speculate that leeches may have developed jumping abilities to reach hosts like humans more quickly and discreetly for blood meals.
There are over 800 species of leeches, with only about 10% being terrestrial.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: NPR, ZME Science, Interia, WNP, Kompas, PetaPixel, Postimees.