A species study of leeches found in Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, Michigan.

Abstract

This paper does not attempt to give detailed accounts of the anatomy and physiology of Hirudinea. K. H. Mann does give excellent accounts of leech embryology, sense organs, irritability, excretion, respiration, circulation and nutrition. Instead, the systematics and survey of leeches found in Emmet and Cheboygan counties is the intended purpose of this investigation. Special attention was given to the major four families found in the previously mentioned area; Erpobdellidae, Hirudinidae, Glossiphonidae, and Piscicolidae. I was able to positively secure 14 of the 20 species found in this vicinity. Accounts of those 14 species are incorporated in this paper. Two unidentified species were also encountered. (These were possibly Helobdella transversa and Glossiphonia heteroclita). Nothing will be mentioned here since the taxonomy is in question.