New species of nose-dwelling leech discovered

Discussion in 'Blazers OT Forum' started by SlyPokerDog, Apr 16, 2010.

  1. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    "A new species of leech, discovered by an international team of scientists, has a preference for living up noses.

    Researchers say the leech can enter the body orifices of people and animals to attach itself to mucous membranes.

    They have called the new blood-sucking species Tyrannobdella rex which means tyrant leech king.

    The creature was first discovered in 2007 in Peru when a specimen was plucked from the nose of a girl who had been bathing in a river.

    The creature lives in the remote parts of the Upper Amazon and has a "particularly unpleasant habit of infesting humans", the scientists say.

    Studies also revealed that it had a preference for living up noses. "

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8623332.stm

    A Peruvian leech that lives in noses? Sounds like an animal with a serious cocaine addiction to me.
     
  2. Colonel Ronan

    Colonel Ronan Continue...?

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    I immediately checked my nose after reading this.
     
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