Amphibian Parasitism by the Leech Desserobdella picta at a Small Pasture Pond in Northwest Arkansas

ABSTRACT

The leech Desserobdella picta was found on amphibian hosts in a small pond in Washington County, Northwest Arkansas, from February through May 1996. In addition to occurrence of D. picta, we recorded anatomical position of leech attachment on amphibians. We found D. picta on six species of amphibians, including four anurans and two salamanders, with the first documented report of the host Rana utricularia (adults and tadpoles). Desserobdella picta showed a strong preference for adult Bufo americanus with greatest attachment in the axillary region of the front limb. Adult B. americanus may not only be the preferred host of adult D. picta but also might influence dispersal of this leech.