Odier, 1823
Description
Small leech-shaped but unpigmented worms, without prostomium or chaetae. Anteriormost four segments fused to form head. Posterior end is modified as sucker-like adhesive disk; ventral edge of mouth also acting as adhesive organ. Body terete. Head not broader than subsequent trunk segments. Upper jaw much smaller than lower one, both triangular, with single big tooth. Length 3.5-5 mm. Differing from congeners in the shape of jaws, as well as in their unequal size.
Crawling leech-like on the body of crayfish.
Distribution
Europe.
Ecology
In freshwater, on gills of crayfish, pathogenic for the host.
Reproduction
Sexual only. Eggs laid in cocoons attached with one end to body of crayfish.
Literature
Odier, 1823: 70; Pop, 1965: 220-221, Fig. 1; Chekanovskaya, 1981: 475, Fig. 243D; Kasprzak, 1981: 216, Figs 865-871.