REDESCRIPTIONS OF PLACOBDELLA STUHLMANNI (BLANCHARD, 1897) AND PLACOBDELLA GAROUI (HARDING, 1932) (HIRUDINEA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE)

Abstract

The two African leeches Placobdella stuhlmanni (Blanchard, 1897) and Placobdella garoui (Harding, 1932) are redescribed and figured because of the confusion that exists in the literature with regard to the specific identities of the two taxa. During a survey of the freshwater leeches of the Republic of South Africa and South West Africa, material was obtained which made possible a thorough study of the two species. Not only did this clear up existing discrepancies but the research also added much new information concerning the two leeches. Certain aspects of their biology are considered for the first time.