Alexandra — Thanks! It makes me so happy to hear back from readers that what I write is meaningful to them. And yeah, safe distance from leeches probably should be measured in furlongs, at the very least.

BTW, I *loved* your cartoon of the juvenile Gump’s wood louse on your blog. Even cuter! : )

Phytofactor — Oh yes. They count bacteria when they’re having trouble.

Your posts evoke so much emotional response. I’ve always been fond of the daphnia and cyclops I kept as pets when I was younger, but never before have I felt so inspired to cuddle a rotifer. They are both fiercer and more charming than I previously believed. Similarly, I’ve always had a preference to keep a safe distance from leeches, but I have never before been so terrified of them. Until this very day, I did not know leeches could “walk”. I am now redefining “safe distance from leeches” using miles rather than inches.