Leeches of Laguna Volcán, Bolivia, including a new species of Helobdella (Clitellata, Hirudinea). American Museum novitates ; no. 3313

Abstract

Three species of leeches were found in Laguna Volcán in Departmento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia. None are known to be sanguivorous. Two of the species found, Semiscolex similis and Helobdella triserialis, are known to be broadly distributed in South America. A new species, Helobdella bolivianita, is described. Diagnostic characters for this species include a nuchal scute on somite VIII and the possession both of compact salivary glands and of diffuse parenchymal salivary tissue.