Annelida: Clitellata: Branchiobdellidae, Acanthobdellea, Hirudinea (Süßwasserfauna von Mitteleuropa 06/2)

Description:

Compilation of valid tax described from the western Palaearctic area, including the fauna of the Egyptian Nile, serving as a source for future work. Includes three classes of leech: the Branchiobdellida, which live as epizoons on freshwater decapods, the small class Acanthobdellea, comprising highly specialised parasites living on freshwater fishes, and the Hirudinea, which contains species commonly known as the "classical" leeches.

Descriptions of morphology of all species, with notes on anatomical characters to allow correct identification. Most species are illustrated. The keys cover all known taxa from the region and are designed for use in the field. Information on biology, ecology and distribution are provided where known