How do leeches reproduce?

Leech Reproduction Leeches are hermaphrodites meaning that a single individual is both male and female at the same time. Reproduction occurs through the production of cocoons that are either attached to a substrate where they develop or in the family Glossiphoniidae many species of leeches have the cocoons attached directly to the ventral surface of the parent (Figure). read more

Reproduction in leeches is, well, weird to say the least and the exact details of this process is still a little sketchy. During mating season, which typically runs through early June to August, leeches of reproductive maturity start producing sperm and eggs. read more