Diversity and Distribution of Aquatic Leeches in Wetlands of West Bengal

Abstract

Leeches (Hirudinea) are recognized as a very important or significant annelid group of versatile habitat. They are found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Aquatic species are found in freshwater, brackishwater and sea water. These leeches are found sometimes attached with the animal body surface and sometimes with the plants. Lower leaf of plant, stem and root of the floating plants are the favourite habitats of leeches. Marine and brackish water leeches stay attached at the ventral region of the animals (Harding and Moore, 1927). Several freshwater species are found in attached condition with molluscs and insects (Ghosh, 1998; Bondyopadhyay and Mandal, 2004).