A new species of glossiphoniid leech from Rana pretiosa (Amphibia: Ranidae) in Oregon.

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2006
Authors:M. E. Siddall, Bowerman J.
Journal:J Parasitol
Volume:92
Pagination:855–857
ISSN:0022-3395 (Print)
Abstract:

A new species of ectoparasitic glossiphoniid leech was found feeding on frogs in the Nature Center Pond and elsewhere in Deschutes County, Oregon. The new species of Placobdella resembles the southern alligator leech, Placobdella multilineata Moore, 1953, notwithstanding their vast geographic separation in North America. The new species is readily distinguished by possessing subdivided annuli, by its papillation and pigmentation patterns as well as by the arrangement of ovarian tissues. There is strong evidence of nocturnality and of the potential for parasitizing humans.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith