New blood-sucking leech identified in DC-area swamps

[MechAg94]

So they discovered a new type of leach in a swamp in D.C.  I thought this was a joke, but apparently they are completely serious.  
https://www.fox5dc.com/news/new-blood-sucking-leech-identified-in-dc-area-swamps.amp?__twitter_impression=true

Scientists from the Smithsonian recently published a paper in the Journal of Parasitology documenting their discovery of Macrobdella mimicus – the first new species of leech to be discovered in more than four decades.

The leech species olive green with orange spots, and about as long as a cigarette. Other features closely resemble the species M. decora, prompting the scientists to name it Macrobdella mimicus, which comes from the Greek word for “imitator.”

The scientist who discovered the new species told Smithsonian.com, “It’s not something new that’s come up; it’s something that has been there the whole time, unrecognized.”

[RoadKingLarry]

Just what we need, more freaking Democrats

[230RN]

King-size or regular?

The leeches, I mean.

[WLJ]

New? They've been there since 1800

[230RN]

I think it's a "new discovery," not that it's a "new species."

Which begs the question, "What is an 'old discovery?'"

Which brings up the further question, "Why is 'species' both the singular and the plural?"

'Tis a puzzlement.

Nap time.

[MechAg94]

Discovery was my word since it was already there. 

[230RN]

Yeah, re-reading it, I plead confusion as to what was meant.

Probably be declared endangered, therefore we can't drain the swamp now.