Leeches

leech

Macrobdella spp.

Size: to 10"

Habitat: aquatic

Notes: It's not a nice thought, but there are leeches in our freshwaters, and in marine habitats as well. The species shown is one of the largest and most attractive, if you can say such a thing. It feeds exclusively on vertebrate blood - a good reason to wear a wetsuit, although I've never encountered one. Leeches are actually worms, not insects, but ...


Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Size
to 41"

Although not native to North America, the widely-introduced European Brown Trout is the most common trout in our area. It thrives in poorer water conditions than native species. Salmon are very similar to trout but generally larger. Introduced from Europe to much of the United States during the late 1800s, the brown trout has adapted well, tolerating warmer water than the native brookie. Sides have a light brown or yellow cast with black spots and usually some orange or red spots. The spots often have whitish to bluish halos. The tail generally lacks spots but may have a few.

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