The Big 5 Leeches

The Big 5 Freshwater Leeches

Not the top five, but those over 50mm long. From biggest to smallest. All are bloodsuckers.

Aliolimnatis buntonensis (Hirudinidae): very common in eastern parts of southern Africa from KwaZulu-Natal northwards, not present in southern and western parts. Haematophagous on mammals. 85 mm.

Hirudo michaelseni (Hirudinidae): very common throughout southern Africa. Haematophagous on mammals but also on amphibians and fish. Immature leeches also feed on freshwater snails. 65 mm.

Placobdelloides jaegerskioeldi (Glossiphoniidae) 62 mm.
Restricted to Hippopotamus’ pools. Haematophagous on hippos only.

Asiaticobdella fenestrata (Hirudinidae): restricted to but common in North-western part of southern Africa. Haematophagous on mammals. 60 mm.

Praobdella radiata (Hirudinidae): in eastern parts of southern Africa from KwaZulu-Natal northwards. Not common. Haematophagous in nasal cavities of mammals. 61 mm.

Aliolimnatis oligodonta (Hirudinidae): common in eastern parts, not present in western parts. Haematophagous on mammals. 58 mm.

Praobdella maculata (Hirudinidae): in eastern parts of southern Africa from KwaZulu-Natal northwards. Not common. Haematophagous in nasal cavities of mammals. 52 mm (contracted).

Aliolimnatis obscura (Hirudinidae): common in western part of southern Africa and from southern parts of Namibia and Botswana northwards. Haematophagous on mammals. (size not given).

Posted on January 3, 2024 08:41 AM by tonyrebelo