INFESTATION RATE OF BRANCHIOBDELLIDS IN AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPES ITALICUS FROM A STREAM OF CENTRAL ITALY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Abstract

Species identity, infestation rate and distribution over the host body of branchiobdellids (Annelida, Clitellata) have been analysed in an Austropotamobius pallipes italicus population from the National Park of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna (central Italy). Branchiobdella italica - the nearly unique species present in our samples - did not differ in its occurrence among the size classes of its host, while female crayfish showed a significantly higher infestation rate than the other sex. Branchiobdellids were mostly found on gill chambers and cephalothorax base, and only in the case of larger crayfish and males did they occupy other body areas.

Keywords

• Austropotamobius pallipes italicus
• Branchiobdella italica
• epicommensals
• branchiobdellids
• infestation rate