Phylogenetic evaluation of systematics and biogeography of the leech family Glossiphoniidae

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships of Glossiphoniidae, a leech family characterised by its high degree of parental care, were investigated with the combined use of morphological data and three molecular datasets. There was strong support for monophyly of most accepted genera in the group, many of which are consistent with eyespot morphology. The genera Desserobdella Barta & Sawyer, 1990 and Oligobdella Moore, 1918 are suppressed as junior synonyms of Placobdella Blanchard, 1893 and thus recognising each of Placobdella picta (Verrill, 1872) Moore, 1906, Placobdella phalera (Graf, 1899) Moore, 1906, and Placobdella biannulata (Moore, 1900), comb. nov. The species Glossiphonia elegans (Verrill, 1872) Castle, 1900 and Helobdella modesta (Verrill, 1872), comb. nov. are resurrected for the North American counterparts to European non-sanguivorous species. Glossphonia baicalensis (Stschegolew, 1922), comb. nov. is removed from the genus Torix Blanchard 1898 and Alboglossiphonia quadrata (Moore, 1949) Sawyer, 1986 is removed from the genus Hemiclepsis Vejdovsky, 1884. The biogeographic implications of the phylogenetic hypothesis are evaluated in the context of what is already known for vertebrate hosts and Tertiary continental arrangements.

New Gammaproteobacteria Associated with Blood-Feeding Leeches and a Broad Phylogenetic Analysis of Leech Endosymbionts

“…On the whole, however, leeches in the remaining families have yet to be examined. In terms of associations in the Glossiphoniidae, only the non-blood-feeding lineages (Helobdella and Glossiphonia) lack esophageal-associated symbionts (29). Species of Marsupiobdella, the most basal lineage in the group, possess esophageal organ structures identical to those seen in Placobdelloides, substantiating the notion that this is the ancestral condition for glossiphoniid leeches.…”

Batracobdelloides moogi Nesemann et Csányi, 1995 (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae): Morphometry and structure of the alimentary tract and reproductive system

“…The genera Glossiphonia Johnson, 1816, Batracobdella Viguier, 1879 and Batracobdelloides were clearly defined as well. This was confirmed by the latest studies concernig species of the family Glossiphoniidae and based on molecular data (Siddall et al 2005). The poorly known species B. moogi, frequently classificated as Batracobdella (= Glossiphonia) paludosa (Carena, 1824) (Sóos 1964) or Batracobdella algira (Moquin-Tandon, 1846) (Sóos 1969;Nesemann 1991), probably has not been distinguished from these two species for a long time.…”

Genetic variation and species identification among selected leeches (Hirudinea) revealed by RAPD markers

“…Second, P. costata groups with Haementeriinae and Theromizinae instead of Glossiphoniinae. Similar relationships on the rDNA and morphological tree (Siddall et al 2005) may indicate the necessity for regrouping. Third, conflicting positions of T. maculosum and T. tessulatum are difficult to explain.…”