''Theromyzon'' is a genus of
leech
Leeches are segmented parasitic or predatory worms that comprise the subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the oligochaetes, which include the earthworm, and like them have soft, muscular segmented bodie ...
es belonging to the family
Glossiphoniidae
Glossiphoniidae are a family of freshwater proboscis-bearing leeches. These leeches are generally flattened, and have a poorly defined anterior sucker. Most suck the blood of freshwater vertebrates like amphibians, crocodilians and aquatic tu ...
. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
[
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limited to ducks. The ''Theromyzon'' species tend to feed in the nasal cavities of waterbirds in general, from ducks to penguins.
As parasites of birds, and in many cases migratory waterfowl, these leeches typically have a broad distribution range. Leeches of the ''Theromyzon'' genus have been observed in the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa.][
]
Species
These 14 species belong to the genus ''Theromyzon'':[
* '']Theromyzon affinis
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' Bennike, 1940
* ''Theromyzon bifarium
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' Oosthuizen & Davies, 1993-01
* ''Theromyzon cooperi
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Harding 1932)
* ''Theromyzon garjaewi
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Livanow 1902)
* ''Theromyzon maculosum
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Rathe, 1862)
* ''Theromyzon matthaii
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' Bhatia 1939
* ''Theromyzon meyeri
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Livanow, 1903)
* ''Theromyzon mollissimum
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' Grube 1871
* ''Theromyzon pallens
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' Philippi, 1867
* ''Theromyzon propinquum
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Ringuelet 1947)
* ''Theromyzon rude
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Baird, 1869)
* ''Theromyzon tessellatoides
''Theromyzon'' is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in ''Theromyzon''.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limi ...
'' (Livanow 1902)
* ''Theromyzon tessulatum
''Theromyzon tessulatum'' is a species of leech in the family Glossiphoniidae. It is a haematophagous (blood-sucking) leech, found in freshwater habitats in Europe.
Description
The cuticle of ''T. tessulatum'' is transparent, olive green or bro ...
'' (O.F.Müller, 1774)
* '' Theromyzon trizonare'' Davies & Oosthuizen, 1993-01
References
{{Authority control
Glossiphoniidae
Annelid genera