Chapter
Parenting Style of Leeches
30:36 - 34:04 (03:28)
The kangaroo leech has a pouch like a marsupial, and the leeches shoot a pouch of baby leeches onto a passing frog, whereas the male produces a container full of sperm called a spermatophore.
Clips
Leeches have a unique mating process where they attach to each other and the male pierces the female's skin with a spermatophore to fertilize the eggs.
30:36 - 32:06 (01:30)
Summary
Leeches have a unique mating process where they attach to each other and the male pierces the female's skin with a spermatophore to fertilize the eggs. They lay hardy cocoons which hatch into fully formed baby leeches that grow over time as they feed, with the mating process being reciprocated between both partners.
ChapterParenting Style of Leeches
EpisodeLeeches: Oh Hell No!
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Leeches shoot a pouch of baby leeches explosively onto a passing frog to ensure they get a good first meal.
32:06 - 34:04 (01:57)
Summary
Leeches shoot a pouch of baby leeches explosively onto a passing frog to ensure they get a good first meal. The kangaroo leech has a little pouch like a marsupial and they are tough enough to be swallowed by waterfowl and come out the other end unharmed.