Found a leech today

[iturnrocks]

It was attached to the back of a baby RES This leech is as long as the shell length of the turtle, about 1 inch. A 20 minute soak in tap water separated the 2 and I took some pics. Anyone know what kind of leech this is? It was found in extreme SW Missouri, Elk River I believe.

 

[Peter_Parker]

I'm not sure exactly what species it is, but I hope someone does because I've seen that one before attached to the same species of turtle in a petco a month ago! Are there any leeches that feed exclusively on reptiles?

 

[iturnrocks]

With most leeches I find I wouldnt ask for ID, because they are usually uniform olive brown in color, but since this one has that lovely pattern, I thought perhaps it might be easier to ID, perhaps only genus if possible.

Also, these pics were taken while the leech was attached to a pickle jar. Thats why theres a bubble under his chin.

 

[beetleman]

actually the "chin part" is really it's rearend the mouth is on the smaller end i believe it's helobdellas ssp. very common on turtles,hope this helps they are about 3" or so.

 

[iturnrocks]

I guess I shouldve realized which end was the front by the direction he was moving. Silly me. Oh well.