Module 1 of 12
Taxonomy & Systematic Position
Classification, habitat, and morphological status of the Indian cattle leech.
Systematic Position of Hirudinaria granulosa
Hirudinaria granulosa, commonly known as the Indian cattle leech, belongs to the phylum Annelida and class Clitellata (Order Arhynchobdellida).
It is a sanguivorous ectoparasite that feeds on the blood of cattle, horses, frogs, and humans.
NCERT Taxonomy Summary
Kingdom: Animalia | Phylum: Annelida | Class: Clitellata | Subclass: Hirudinea | Order: Arhynchobdellida | Family: Hirudinidae | Genus: Hirudinaria | Species: granulosa
Anatomical Illustration / Diagram
Figure: Indian Cattle Leech (Hirudinaria granulosa)
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | Multicellular organisms with heterotrophic nutrition |
| Phylum | Annelida | Metamerically segmented worms with coelom |
| Class | Clitellata | Possess clitellum during breeding season |
| Subclass | Hirudinea | Fixed 33 metameres, suckers present, coelom reduced |
| Order | Arhynchobdellida | Jawed leeches lacking a proboscis |
| Genus | Hirudinaria | Freshwater ectoparasitic blood suckers |
| Species | granulosa | Granulated body surface with 33 segments |
Habit & Habitat
- Found in fresh water ponds, lakes, swamps, and slow-moving streams.
- Ectoparasitic in nature, attaching onto cattle and humans using specialized suckers.
- Nocturnal in habit; hides under stones, weeds, and mud during daytime.
- Sanguivorous diet: secretes hirudin (anticoagulant) to prevent blood clotting during feeding.