Coexistence of Placobdella costata (Fr. Müller, 1846) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) and mud turtle Emys orbicularis

• DOI: 10.2478/s11756-012-0069-y
• Publication Date: 2012-06-29T09:38:35Z
• Authors: Aleksander Bielecki; Joanna M. Cichocka; Andrzej Jabłoński; Iwona Jeleń; Ewa Ropelewska; Anna Biedunkiewicz; Janusz Terlecki; Jacek J. Nowakowski; Joanna Pakulnicka; Jolanta Szlachciak
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; 14. Life underwater

Emys orbicularis is receding from Europe, mainly due to anthropogenic habitat changes. Its parasite, Placobdella costata, widely distributed within both the former and present distribution range of host. Though closely associated with mud turtle, it may have other hosts (birds, amphibians, reptiles). reproductive period coincides that its host's migration breeding grounds, thus facilitating dispersal parasite. Based on literature data we analyzed geographic spread P. costata turtle observe possible overlap their habitats. Observations population leech species (P. costata) were carried out in eastern Poland — Podlasie Lowland. The studies conducted spring summer 1986–1993. leeches collected turtles caught water land. showed most found inhabiting lake or moving a area. greatest intensity invasion was observed June July female E. characterized by greater length carapace weight, compared males juvenile individuals.