Ozobranchus jantseanus (Clitellata: Ozobranchidae) from Reeve’s Turtle, Mauremys reevesii: New Annelid Fauna in Korea
10.3347/kjp.2022.60.3.213
- Author:
Kyo Soung KOO
1
;
Kayoung YUN
;
Yikweon JANG
Author Information
1. Research Institute of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2022;60(3):213-215
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Turtle leeches have not been recorded in Korea, although they occur in geographically adjacent countries including China and Japan. This study describes a turtle leech, Ozobranchus jantseanus (Clitellata: Ozobranchidae), found from Reeve’s turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in Korea. Of the 143 Reeve’s turtles collected from the freshwater reservoir in Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, 95 unidentified leeches were found in 8 (5.6%) individuals. The leeches had 22 somites with 11 pairs of externally exposed branchiae, body-sized posterior suckers, and spines on the dorsal surface. We identified these leeches as Ozobranchus jantseanus Oka, 1912 (Clitellata: Ozobranchidae). This species of turtle leeches found in Korea may fill the gap in the biodiversity of East Asian annulus.
