Redescription of the leech Desserobdella phalera (Graf, 1899) n.comb. (Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae), with notes on its biology and occurrence on fishes

Abstract

Desserobdella phalera (Graf, 1899) n.comb. is redescribed. This glossiphoniid leech deposits cocoons directly onto the substratum and belongs, therefore, in the subfamily Glossiphoniinae. It has the following generic characters: diffuse salivary glands, two pairs of coalesced eyes, one pair of mycetomes, and subdivision of primary annuli in complete body segments. Desserobdella phalera is distinguished from its congener Desserobdella picta (Verrill, 1872) by having dorsal papillae and lateral metameric and dorsal colour markings. In addition, it has approximately 60 radiating papillae on the rim of the caudal sucker. Desserobdella phalera was found naturally on bowfin (Amia calva L.) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède)) from Ontario, Canada, and on bowfin from Florida, U.S.A. Occurrence on bowfin is a new host record. Desserobdella phalera fed experimentally on nine species of fish.