Kay Easton wrote:

Edward taking over from here on:

Incidentally, Hirudo medicinalis is not the only UK species that is capable
of feeding on mammalian blood

It is also extremely rare in the UK, so rare that it is a
protected species. It is only known from 3 or 4 British sites. It is
relatively eay to recognise by the two longitudinal thin stripes running
along the top of its body.

Yes I know: I live near one of its strongholds.

....the much more common horse leech does too.

No it doesn't, not even blood of any sort. It feeds on aquatic
and soil invertebrates.
--

Well, well...you learn something new everyday. Thanks for correcting me.
Anita