| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2005 |
| Authors: | W. E. Moser, Van Devender, R. W., Klemm, D. J. |
| Journal: | Comparative Parasitology |
| Volume: | 72 |
| Pagination: | 17-21 |
| Keywords: | desmognathinae, Desmognathus marmoratus, Desmognathus quadramaculatus, Euhirudinea, Glossiphonidae, Hirudinea, Oligobdella biannulata, Rhynchobdellida, salamanders |
| Abstract: | Oligobdella biannulata is a rare, endemic leech species originally described from a mountain stream near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, U.S.A. Specimens of O. biannulata were collected seasonally (fall 1999-summer 2002), documenting new county records from North Carolina and South Carolina and new state records from Georgia and Tennessee, U.S.A. Fifty-one percent of Desmognathus quadramaculatus and 50% of Desmognathus marmoratus were parasitized with O. biannulata. Between late May and early July, O. biannulata leaves its salamander host to lay 15-30 bright yellow, yolky eggs and brood them on its ventral surface. Eggs hatch in 10-20 d, and in about 50 d both hatchlings and adult search for a blood meal. Oligobdella biannulata reattaches to its host between late August and early October. When a desmognathine salamander host is found the adult leech attaches and hatchlings leave the adult, attaching singly or in clusters on the limbs or axillary and inguinal regions of the salamander, blood feeding, and overwintering on the host. |