What is the difference between Leech And Earth Worm?

Earthworms and leeches are useful worms that are categorized under the same grouping. However, they belong to different subclasses. Earthworms are essential to agriculture, while leeches are essential in traditional medicines. Earthworms are segmented organisms, which maintain a pipe-shaped structure.

These are frequently found in the soil beneath the ground. They are a type of organism that feeds off dead organic matter. An earthworm’s digestive system goes through the length of the body, and it performs respiration through the skin. Leeches are also segmented worms. Their external body segmentation does not correlate with the internal segmentation.

The noticeable characteristic is that they possess two suckers at each end. Some leeches feed on blood. The reproduction in leeches is the equivalent of earthworms. Leeches move with the assistance of their anterior and posterior suckers and longitudinal muscles down the length of the body.

Leeches and earthworms are both from the family of Annelida. They are both worms like creatures, but they have a different type of shaped bodies. The leeches body is flat, while the earthworm has a tube-like body. Between the two, leeches are smaller and flat. On the other hand, earthworms are round and longer in size. Another difference between them is where they live. Leeches live in areas of freshwater and marine waters. Earthworms live in the soil. Both leeches and earthworms have different purposes. Some types of leeches are used for medical purposes, while earthworms help ensure the soil stays fertile.