More than 35 years later, Bdellovibrio biology is undergoing a revival owing to the original, pioneering genetics work of Thomashow and colleagues (13), which has been followed up by genome sequencing and the development of new gene inactivation methods to study the function of these bacteria (32, 42, 60).
They also have five pairs of eyes. The Freshwater Leech is a parasite that feeds on the blood of fish, frogs, turtles, and mammals. It should not be confused with other leeches, most of which prey only on insects, snails, and small creatures.
Although some leeches consume small insects and larvae whole, this species is mainly a hematophage, meaning that it feeds on blood. The hematophagic leeches feed on invertebrates, fish, frogs, and, notably in the Mountain Lake pond, snapping turtles. Snapping turtles have been found here with more than eight leeches attached to them. They also feed on warm-blooded creatures when the opportunity arises.