Search

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Hero image
Department of Invertebrate Zoology

Media Highlights

 

A close up of a leech in a dish

Bloodsuckers!

In this episode of the Smithsonian's Sidedoor podcast, Anna takes us into the US National Parasite Collection at the Museum Support Center (MSC) to show us Grandma Moses, a Giant Amazon leech

 

macrobdella mimicus leech in the palm of a persons hand over a table

What Five Hollywood Horror Sensations Have in Common With Real Parasites

Dive into the world of parasites with Anna Phillips to learn all about real world parasites with some really cool characteristics. A few of these animals may seem a bit  familiar if you've seen films such as Alien and The Thing!