Preliminary study on some, aspect on habitat and biological of the leech, Hirudinaria manillensis

Abstract

This study was carried out to detennine habitat, morphology and internal anatomy of the leech. Leeches most abundance can be found when pH is 5. 7 6.3. No available leeches are found when pH below 5.0. In middle paddy fields,

there are no leeches because most of the leech rest near the shore to wait for prey

before sucking the blood.

Leeches are prefers to live in no moving current and suitable substrates likes plant are important for the leech to reproduction and movement. For morphology of the leech, the body are dorso-ventrally flattened, have 34 segments, 3 pair of eyes and two sucking disks at the end of the anterior and posterior. Hirudinaria manillensis has 4 yellow stripes at the dorsal and contains three set of jaws to make Y shape incision. The underside of the leech is typically lighter in color than the backside. Anus of the leech can be found on the midline to the edge of the posterior sucker.