[1] The species is found widely in Southeast Asia and mainly feeds on the mucosal membranes of the mammalian upper respiratory tract.

Aquatic leeches have been found on sites such as the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, conjunctiva, trachea, bronchi, esophagus, vagina, bladder, rectum, and the creases of the eyes,[4] Although most instances were found in the nasopharynx, lower airways, or upper esophagus.

Several species of leech are known to feed on humans including Tyrannobdella rex, Hirudinea granulosa, and Hirundinea viridis.

[2] Dinobdella ferox is found throughout Southeast Asia, but is very common in many parts of Taiwan.

Blood loss leading to acute anemia can be deadly in children or small animals.

Treatment for a leech infestation starts with attempting to remove the parasites manually with artery forceps.