First record of the leech placobdella costata (hirudinoidea: glossiphoniidae) in turkey

Abstract

The freshwater leech Placobdella costata was found in discharge channels at Elazığ, Turkey. This represents the first record for the country. The density of P. costata was highest in August (0.45 individuals/m²) and lowest (0.05 individuals/m²) between December and February. A detailed morphological description is given of both the internal and external features, especially the digestive system and the male and female reproductive systems. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.