Recently, scientists have discovered the existence of a giant leech species in Indonesia, scientifically named Mimobdella buettikoferi.
>>> Giant leech devours large worm in an instant
Scientists affirm that this is the largest leech species in the world. This discovery has attracted significant public attention. Locally, they are referred to as Kinabalu leeches due to their distinctive red or orange coloration, which sets them apart from their relatives.
The Kinabalu giant leech is endemic to the Kinabalu forest in Borneo, Indonesia, where altitudes range from 2,500 to 3,000 meters. Unlike their relatives, which typically measure about 3cm to 7cm and inhabit watery, marshy areas, Kinabalu leeches live on land.
Kinabalu leeches can grow from 30cm to 40cm in length, and can even reach up to 1 meter. Anyone who encounters them is often filled with fear and anxiety. They typically reside under layers of decaying leaves and damp rock faces. After heavy rainfall, the Kinabalu leech emerges from its shelter to forage for food.
Despite their terrifying appearance, Kinabalu leeches are harmless to humans. They do not feed on animal blood like their relatives. Instead, Kinabalu leeches survive by consuming giant green earthworms.
With a length of about 30cm, the Kinabalu leech can consume a green worm nearly three times its own length. This is a remarkable phenomenon in the animal kingdom. The giant leech “devours” its prey similarly to how a python does.
Currently, information about this giant leech species remains scarce. Scientists are making efforts to observe and document more details about this unique leech.
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