Leech collections from Chile including two new species of Helobdella (Annelida, Hirudinida). American Museum novitates ; no. 3457

Abstract

Twelve species of leeches were collected from Reserva Nacional Yerba Loca, near Santiago, IX Región de la Araucania and X Región de los Lagos, Chile. Included were representatives of the unusual Chilean taxa Americobdella valdiviana, Mesobdella gemmata, and two species of Patagoniobdella, each of whose phylogenetic placement and classification has been problematic. Eight species of Glossiphoniidae were found, including two new species in the genus Helobdella. Helobdella wodzickiorum, n.sp. possesses a large, prominent atrium and male sperm ducts extending to somite XXIII, whereas Helobdella pichipanan, n.sp. has micromorphic male genitalia, a weakly developed atrium, and ejaculatory ducts that extend only to XII/XIII. The phylogenetic positions of A. valdiviana, M. gemmata, and Patagoniobdella species are discussed.