Clitellata
| Clitellata | |
|---|---|
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| Theromyzon, a parasitic type of leech | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Class: | Clitellata |
| Subclasses | |
Clitellata is a large class of annelid worms. They are characterized by having a clitellum, a part of thier body which isn't segmented and creates a sac to keep their eggs. Members of this group are called clitellate annelids or clitellates. There is over 8,000 species in this class with all species having less developed heads. Most species like the earthworms have no eyes while most leeches have flat bodys. Clitellates mostly live on land or in soil but some clitellates live in the ocean, ponds, or lakes. For an example, the worms in the order Branchiobdellida live in freshwater and use crustaceans like crayfish and shrimp as hosts.