Bulletin of the Iraq Natural History Museum (Jun 2023)
MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF TWO LEECH SPECIES (ANNELIDA, HIRUDINEA) WHICH USED IN SOME ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CLINICS IN BAGHDAD PROVINCE, IRAQ
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe the leech species that are used in some of the alternative medicine clinics in Baghdad Province based on morphometric measurements and colouring pattern of the body. A collection of twenty leeches was provided from some clinics. All specimens were identified and described based on standard available keys. The morphometric characteristics and colouring patterns were recorded and the indicated that these leeches were Hirudo orientalisUtevsky & Trontelj, 2005 and H.verbana Carena, 1820.
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