Leeches

• Books
• Supplies
• Web Resources

Books and Articles:

• Halton, Cheryl. 1989. Those Amazing Leeches. Macmillan Publishing Co. New York City. Available from Carolina Biological Supplies. #F645-4341 $16.95

• Lent, C.M. and Dickinson, M.H. 1988. The Neurobiology of Feeding in Leeches. Scientific American (June) p 98+. Abstract: A single neurotransmitter, serotonin, orchestrates feeding behavior in the medicinal leech. The discovery may illuninate how meurochemicals control behavior in other animals.

• Stent, G.S. and Weisblat, D.A. 1982. The Development of a Simple Nervous System. Scientific American (January) p. 136+. Abstract: Tracing the pedigree of nerve cells in the embryonic growth of dwarf and giant leeches yields preliminary clues to the functioning of the adult nervous system.

• Sawyer, R.T. 1986. Leeches. Ward's Bulletin- Spring 1986. (Contact Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Inc. 1-800-962-2660)

Supplies:

1. Medicinal Leech (Hirudo medicinalis) European medicinal leech; over 4 inches in length. Animals are laboratory bred. Please allow two weeks for delivery. For prices on larger quantities, please contact Ward's directly. #87 W 4725 (Each $15.69)

2. Leeches: between 2 and 4 inches in length. Species as available. # 87 W 4720 (Each $2.49) and #87 W 4721 (Package of 10: $22.65)

   Preserved Leeches: Large, about 4 inches in length. Species normally supplied is Haemopis grandis. #68 W 2402 (Jar of 10: $18.35)

3. Microscope Slides: Leech Whole Mount. Small specimen. #92 W 1851 (Each $3.50) Ten or more 3.33 each

4. Microscope Slides: Leech Cross Section. Typical sections showing relationships of structures. #92 W 1852 (Each $3.65) Ten or more 3.47 each

The following are available from Carolina Biological Supplies. Contact them at 1-800-334-5551

1. Medicinal Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). Between 2 and 4 inches in length
   #F6-L422 (Each $14.00) $39.95 for three

2. Leeches. Species available year round.
   #F6-L421 1-2" in length $7.25/3 or $25.85/12
   #F6-2425 for less than 1" in length $5.95/3 or $23.50/12

World Wide Web Resources

• What are the effects of ale, garlic, and soured cream on the appetite of leeches? Read what turns leeches on or off by Anders Baerheim and Hogne Sandvick from the University of Bergin, Norway.

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