This species of giant leech is still mostly unknown, but Mimobdella buettikoferi definitely has a large appetite. Nicknamed the Giant Red Leech of Kinabalu, it only comes out after it rains, just like its favorite prey, the earthworm. This video is an excerpt from the broadcastof the BBC Wonders of the Monsoon, shot in Borneo. The team was able to capture and brought back from their trip the only existing video of this leech having a meal. So cute…
This specimen is about a foot long but can most likely grow longer. This species was discovered in the region of Mount Kinabalu, in the early 19th century. Due to its large size, it has lost the ability to suck blood and therefore swallows its prey whole. In just 1 min 30s, it will engulfs a worm over 30 inches, which will then be fully digested.
The leech spots its prey using scent and then feels its victim before starting its feast. When it has discovered a point of attack, it simply sucks up the entire worm. When its prey realizes what’s happening, it is unfortunately too late to escape. This kind of predatory attitude is rare in leeches who would rather attack larvae or small insects.
