A new leech species of Semiscolex (Arhynchobdellida: Semiscolecidae) from Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

SEMISCOLEX LAMOTHEI SP. NOV. FROM CATEMACO LAKE, VERACRUZ, MEXICO, IS DESCRIBED BASED ON THE EXAMINATION OF 18 SPECIMENS. THE NEW SPECIES DIFFERS FROM OTHER SPECIES OF THE GENUS BY THE PRESENCE OF 1/2 + 5 + 1/2 ANNULI BETWEEN GONOPORES. THE NEW SPECIES HAS MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES PREVIOUSLY NOT DESCRIBED FOR ANY OTHER MEMBER OF THE GENUS, SUCH AS WELL-DEVELOPED EJACULATORY BULBS AND POSTCAECA IN THE POSTERIOR PART OF THE CROP. THIS IS THE FIRST RECORD OF THE GENUS AND THE FAMILY IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE OF THE AMERICAS.