Reproductive systems:
Leeches are hermaphrodites, which means that all leeches have both male and female reproductive organs, which include ovaries and testes. Leeches reproduce by reciprocal fertilization, and sperm is transfered during copulation. Leeches use a clitellum to hold eggs and secrete the cocoon.
During reproduction, leeches use a spermatophore, which is a structure containing the sperm, for the hyperdermic injection of their sperm.
How it happens:
Once 2 leeches are next to each other, they will line up with one's anterior side on the opposite side to the other leech's posterior.
The leech shoots the spermatophore into the clitellur of the other leech, and its sperm gets into the female reproductive parts of the other leech, where the sperm will make its way to the female reproductive parts.
Leeches are hermaphrodites, which means that all leeches have both male and female reproductive organs, which include ovaries and testes. Leeches reproduce by reciprocal fertilization, and sperm is transfered during copulation. Leeches use a clitellum to hold eggs and secrete the cocoon.
During reproduction, leeches use a spermatophore, which is a structure containing the sperm, for the hyperdermic injection of their sperm.
How it happens:
Once 2 leeches are next to each other, they will line up with one's anterior side on the opposite side to the other leech's posterior.
The leech shoots the spermatophore into the clitellur of the other leech, and its sperm gets into the female reproductive parts of the other leech, where the sperm will make its way to the female reproductive parts.