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Phylum Annelida

Phylum Annelida. Segmented Worms. Class Oligochaeta (‘few bristles’). About 170 N.A. species Each segment has small bundles of tiny chaetae Most live in silt and mud in ponds, lakes, etc. As deposit feeders, feces deposited atop the bottom; helps keep surface aerobic

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Phylum Annelida

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  1. Phylum Annelida Segmented Worms

  2. Class Oligochaeta (‘few bristles’)

  3. About 170 N.A. species • Each segment has small bundles of tiny chaetae • Most live in silt and mud in ponds, lakes, etc. • As deposit feeders, feces deposited atop the bottom; helps keep surface aerobic • Some are very tolerant of low oxygen; Tubifex worms are long and red; can build up very high densities (8,000/m2)

  4. Class: Hirudinea (Leaches)

  5. Leeches • Primarily aquatic (~69 species in N.A.); only a few marine • Many are highly colored (but fade in alcohol) • Body: soft, muscular, flattened; 34 segments • Two suckers: one anterior (includes the mouth), one posterior

  6. Natural History • Most live in shallow waters with much plants, debris, or stones; in suitable habitat, can reach density of 700/m2 • Move inchworm-style; many can swim • All feed on fluids from other organisms either as piercer-predator or as external parasite • Most feed on invertebrates • Blood suckers have 3-toothed jaws and secrete hirudinin, an anticoagulant; most feed on frogs, turtles, or fish • May not feed again for two years • Always reproduce sexually; some make cocoons; • Many require years to reach maturity • Are both predators and prey

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