About Haemadipsa picta Moore, 1929
Haemadipsa picta (Moore, 1929) individuals measure 13–33 mm (0.51–1.30 in) in length. The diameter of its anterior sucker ranges from 1.3–2.5 mm (0.051–0.098 in), and the diameter of its posterior sucker ranges from 2.5–3.7 mm (0.098–0.146 in). This species is easily recognizable by its longitudinally striped, reddish brown dorsal surface. A broad bluish-gray, yellow-greenish, or multicolored median-paramedian field runs along its dorsum, and this field contains three to five broken black or dark brown stripes. It also has a white or pale yellowish longitudinal marginal stripe, with borders marked by dark spots. Its ventral surface is uniformly yellowish brown. Haemadipsa picta inhabits bushes and grasses that grow 1 metre or higher above the ground in moist forests. It is fast-moving and active, and has even been observed falling onto hikers from taller bushes and leaves. It attaches to the hands, arms, shoulders, and even necks of people passing through its habitat. Bites from this species are comparatively painful and slow to heal, which is how it earned the common name "stinging land leech."
