Land leech (Haemadipsa zeylanica) predating Indosylvirana indica (Indian golden-backed frog) in Agumbe, India

Abstract

This study documents the first recorded instance of ectoparasitism of the Indian golden-backed frog (Indosylvirana indica) by the land leech (Haemadipsa zeylanica) in Agumbe, India. Observations indicate a specimen of I. indica was infested by H. zeylanica, with the leech attached to the frog's tympanum. While leeches are known ectoparasites of amphibians and can disrupt their health by serving as vectors for pathogens, this association had not been previously documented for I. indica. Our findings highlight the need for further research into leech-anuran interactions to better understand ecological dynamics and their implications on amphibian health.

Keywords

• Anura
• Brown leech
• Endemic
• Haemadipsidae
• Jawed land leech
• predation