JUVENILE
Leeches are epimorphic, meaning they pass through the stages of growth without
changing fundamentally. The juvenile that emerges from the cocoon has the same
number of segments for its entire life unlike earthworms, which add segments as
they grow. Also unlike earthworms, leeches can’t regenerate a part of their body
that’s been severed. During the juvenile stage, leeches demonstrate two types
of growth depending on their type. Those with fast digestion feed regularly and
grow continuously, while those with slow digestion grow in spurts and can go
for long stretches of time without feeding.
changing fundamentally. The juvenile that emerges from the cocoon has the same
number of segments for its entire life unlike earthworms, which add segments as
they grow. Also unlike earthworms, leeches can’t regenerate a part of their body
that’s been severed. During the juvenile stage, leeches demonstrate two types
of growth depending on their type. Those with fast digestion feed regularly and
grow continuously, while those with slow digestion grow in spurts and can go
for long stretches of time without feeding.