Leeches in ponds

[tawnyman]

Hi there,
I found this leech in my pond the other day and have a few questions about it. Firstly can anyone ID it (from this none too detailed photo, I admit!)? And further to that, is it likely to do any harm to the frogs that live in the pond? On a more positive note, might it be able to eat some of the numerous mosquito larvae that I've had. As you can probably guess, I have no fish, and it's a fairly small pond. Any thoughts on this appreciated. Thanks, Julian

[starlight]

Hi Julian,

I had a leech last year and had a google, they do by all accounts feed from frogs. Can attach to birds feet and get transported this way from pond to pond.

I am no expert and can only tell you what I read. I think 'Dave' (the leech) died over winter as there is no sign of him/her at all now.

[Kayleigh]

I have leeches in my pond, Its nature

I doubt they eat mossys, they just suck blood.

[Tiggrx]

Most British leeches feeds on snails and other small invertebrates, only a few suck blood.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Tiggrx

Most British leeches feeds on snails and other small invertebrates, only a few suck blood.

oops!

[Adam Cheeseman]

It looks like one of the Erpobdella species to me. Common in still or slow-moving waters.

Cheers,

Adam

[tawnyman]

thanks for responses people. I shall leave them be I think. They're quite strange to watch, they way they loop around looking for whatever it is they're looking for. Yes, I thought it was an Erpobdella, having had a dig around, maybe octoculata? Another resident in the pond, anyway. Strange how this stuff arrives.
thanks, julian

[Natassia]

In early Feb I cleaned out our pond because I was worried about the bull rushes rooting in the lining and it had started to pong a bit, because of a few dead frogs cause by the cold weather over winter.

There were a couple of live frogs at the bottom and then I found a leech!!! The picture above is different to the one I saw, which was sandy coloured and looked like a slug, but did'nt have the two "feelers" just a gapping mouth. I've seen it since, it looked like it was popping up for air?

I was wondering wether frogs ate them or visa-versa? Having a few frog fatalities upset me and although there are at least five frogs mating, it seems to be taking longer this year, I haven't as yet seen any frog spawn. I don't want to get rid of the leeches if they're harmless, but worried about the frogs and the spawn, any advice?.

Thanks Natx

[nightshade]

I have seen them on fish and frogs, strangest was one "looping" up the garden one morning it was huge!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I have seen them on fish and frogs, strangest was one "looping" up the garden one morning it was huge!

OMG..