Leeches Predate on Fast-Escaping and Entangling Blackworms by Spiral Entombment

Abstract

AbstractWe investigate how theHelobdellaspp. freshwater leeches capture and consumeLumbriculus variegatusblackworms despite the blackworm’s ultrafast helical swimming escape reflex and ability to form large tangled ‘blobs’. We describe our discovery of a unique spiral ‘entombment’ strategy used by these leeches to overcome the blackworms’ active and collective defenses. Unlike their approach to less reactive and solitary prey like mollusks, where leeches simply attach and suck,Helobdellaleeches employ this spiral entombment strategy specifically adapted for blackworms. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between predator and prey in freshwater ecosystems, providing insights into ecological adaptability and predator-prey dynamics.