The leech is a much maligned creature. An ugly-looking worm with a penchant for blood, what possible use could be found for this repulsive parasitic predator? Well, leeches have been used as a medical device for millennia to treat a whole host of maladies and disorders. And guess what? These humble if not handsome critters are still being used today by surgeons and physicians around the world. So, how did this tiny bloodsucker earn such a highly-regarded reputation, and what is its role in medical history?
Click through and find out more about this bloodthirsty species.