American Society of Hirudotherapy

The Hirudo medicinalis species complex

Research article published in Die Naturwissenschaften (2012)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportGenomics & ProteomicsKutschera U · Die Naturwissenschaften, 2012

Abstract

Recently, Hildebrandt and Lemke (Naturwissenschaften 98:995-1008, 2011) argued that the taxonomic status of the three European medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus 1758, Hirudo verbana Carena 1820, and Hirudo orientalis Utevsky and Trontelj (Parasitol Res 98:61-66, 2005) is "questionable" since "all three species interbreed in the laboratory". This statement is in conflict with data published by Elliott and Kutschera (Freshwater Reviews 4:21-41, 2011), indicating that these leeches, which are reciprocally copulating hermaphrodites, represent reproductively isolated biospecies. Here, I summarize evidence indicating that these three European taxa, plus the North African "dragon leech" (Hirudo troctina Johnson 1816), must be interpreted as a complex of closely related species, and that the economically most important taxon H. verbana is polymorphic.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeLetterComment
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBites and StingsHirudo medicinalisHumans

Summary

Recently, Hildebrandt and Lemke (Naturwissenschaften 98:995-1008, 2011) argued that the taxonomic status of the three European medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus 1758, Hirudo verbana Carena 1820, and Hirudo orientalis Utevsky and Trontelj (Parasitol Res 98:61-66, 2005) is "questionable" since "all three species interbreed in the labo...

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This commentary addresses the taxonomic status of European medicinal leeches, arguing that H. medicinalis, H. verbana, H. orientalis, and the North African H. troctina constitute a complex of closely related, reproductively isolated species, and that the economically most important taxon H. verbana is polymorphic. For hirudotherapy and ASH's domain, accurate species delineation matters because Hirudo species are the leeches used therapeutically, and polymorphism within the commercially dominant H. verbana could have implications for consistency in leech therapy applications. However, this is explicitly a letter/comment that summarizes and engages with previously published literature rather than presenting new experimental, genetic, or clinical data, offering taxonomic perspective only.

Citation

The Hirudo medicinalis species complex.

Kutschera U · Die Naturwissenschaften, 2012

DOI

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.