Barbronia weberi

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Barbronia weberi
Barbronia weberi

Barbronia weberi

Systematics
Subclass : Bristle flukes (Euhirudinea)
Order : Trunkless leeches (Arhynchobdellida)
Subordination : Schlundegel (Erpobdelliformes)
Family : Salifidae
Genre : Barbronia
Type : Barbronia weberi
Scientific name
Barbronia weberi
Blanchard , 1897

Barbronia weberi is the name of a kind in the fresh water of live leeches from the family of Salifidae in the subordination of Schlundegel which in Asia is widespread and particularly sludge tube worms eats. Through the aquarium trade, it spreads as an invasive species in North America and Europe .

features

Barbronia weberi grows to lengths of 2.5 to 3.1 cm, with individuals reaching sexual maturity from around 1.4 cm. With a body width of 1.9 mm, the rear suction cup has a diameter of around 1.5 mm. The body surface is covered with tiny papillae and has a uniform red to dark red-brown, sometimes almost black color. There are always 3 pairs of eyes on the head, including no accessory eyes. Of the externally not recognizable segments, 17 segments each have five outer ringlets. In the pharynx , the 3 ridges of which are rotated by 60 ° at the front, there are 1 to 2 stilettos on each of the 3 ridges. Between the male and female genitals of the hermaphrodite animals there are 5 or fewer outer ringlets. On the abdomen, next to the genital orifices, there is a central accessory copulation pit that may still be missing in young animals.

distribution and habitat

Barbronia weberi lives in the fresh water of inland waters - rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and swamps - of the lowlands and is common in the Indus and Ganges . The leech is common in South Asia , East Asia and Southeast Asia from Pakistan , Kashmir and Afghanistan across India to Japan , Java , Sumatra and Sulawesi . Here comes Barbronia weberi often simultaneously with the Indian Schneckenegel Alboglossiphonia weberi on. Barbronia weberi has been introduced into Europe ( Italy ) and North America by humans, including the aquarium trade , where it is spreading as an invasive species .

nutrition

Barbronia weberi is a carnivore and prefers to feed on mud tubeworms and other small annelid worms , including species in the Naididae family . The prey is devoured as a whole using the muscular pharynx .

Reproductive cycle

Like all leeches, Barbronia weberi is a hermaphrodite , whereby, as is generally the case with throat leeches, two individuals mate each other by injecting pseudopermatophores ( hypodermic insemination ). The mucous secretions of the clitellum form elongated egg-shaped cocoons in which the mother lays the fertilized eggs. The cocoons are attached to plants, stones and other hard objects. Developed little leeches hatch from them.

Medium-sized, sexually mature leeches appear in the Ganges from December, while most fully grown leeches appear in January and February, and juveniles show up from March to May.

literature