''Hirudo verbana'' is a species of

leech Leeches are segmented parasitic or predatory worms that comprise the subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the oligochaetes, which include the earthworm, and like them have soft, muscular segmented bodie ...

. ''Hirudo verbana'' has long been used as a

medicinal leech ''Hirudo medicinalis'', the European medicinal leech, is one of several species of leeches used as "medicinal leeches". Other species of ''Hirudo'' sometimes also used as medicinal leeches include '' H. orientalis'', ''H. troctina'', and '' H. ...

under the species '' H. medicinalis'', but has recently been recognized as a separate species distinct from the traditional or European medicinal leech of that name.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1352793 Leeches Animals described in 1820