Brand New Species Without Eyes Found in a Deep Cave

Just in time for spooky season, a new slimy species has been discovered in a cave and it doesn’t have eyes! Thankfully, this creature is teeny-tiny! In the dark interior of a cave in the country of Georgia, a leech hung onto the side of a moist stalagmite. 

It was impossible for the critter to catch sight of a human being, as a scientist reached out to take it off of the rock. Experts were conducting research when they came across two new species of strange leeches deep inside karst caves in western Georgia.

Dina imeretiensis and Dina samegreloensis are the names of the two new species of leeches, identified in a study that was released on September 20 in the European Journal of Taxonomy. The finding represents the third and fourth cave leech species identified in Georgia.

Each of the new species, according to researchers, has huge, distinctively formed genitalia that set them apart from related leeches. Both creatures lack eyes as well. They measure less than an inch and a half long! 

One of the more peculiar things about these blind leeches is their coloration. It has three colors. The body starts with a white tip that transitions to a deep blue and then a pale pink-purple end.  

Where Do Leeches Typically Live?

Cave walls are an odd location to find a leech. Although they do need a moist area, they’re usually in warmer spots. The toasty, calm, shallow depths of lakes and wetlands are where you’ll find the majority of leeches. 

They especially reside in regions where there’s a lot of vegetation and other detritus. Leeches typically steer clear of light, which is why you might find them in a cave like these scientists did! Certain species reside in the bottom dirt, while others lurk beneath stones or sunken timber.

Are Leeches Dangerous?

Many people associate leeches with sucking blood. So, are all of these slimy creatures vampires? Usually, leech bites won’t harm the person. The majority of the time, the leech is able to be easily removed without a trip to the hospital. 

Yet, when the leech is removed from the skin, one may experience bleeding where they latched on for quite a while. Blood cannot clot normally due to the anticoagulant properties of leech saliva. 

Occasionally, some people could become allergic to a leech bite. Individuals who have previously suffered from sensitivities or anaphylaxis ought to exercise extra care. Users of anticoagulant medications run the risk of more severe bleeding once the leech is removed.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Anonyme973 / CC BY-SA 4.0 – License / Original