Phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation in Haemopis

The Holarctic leech genus Haemopis currently includes 11 species, all of which are macrophagous, as opposed to their more infamous bloodfeeding counterparts among hirudiniform leeches. In spite of their ecological importance as fish food and predators of freshwater invertebrates, there is a paucity of data regarding morphology and genetic variation that might guide future identification efforts for members of the genus. The lack of detailed descriptions of distinguishing morphological features, coupled with the absence of a robust phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus, have conspired to prevent meaningful inferences on the natural history of the group. In an attempt to remedy this, we present new genetic (using COI, 12S rDNA, 28S rDNA and 18S rDNA) data for the majority of the known species diversity within the genus in order to both infer a phylogenetic hypothesis and to introduce authoritative DNA barcodes for the newly collected species. The potential of these barcodes is increased through rigorous morphological investigations of the specimens, with comparisons to the original literature. Our resulting phylogenetic hypothesis is agnostic as to the geographic origin of the genus, with equal probability afforded to both a Nearctic and Palearctic origin. Beyond this, we show that there is a strong tendency towards a barcoding gap within the genus, but that a distinct gap is lacking due to the relatively high genetic variation found within H. marmorata. Taken together, our results shed light on species delimitation within, and evolutionary history of, this often-neglected group of leeches.

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

Multilocus phylogeny resolves species relationships within Haemopis (horse leech genus); recognizes new species and refines biogeographic patterns.

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

More peer-reviewed studies in Genómica y proteómica.

• 434 Salivary Proteins — Integrated Proteomics of Hirudo medicinalis — Liu et al. (2019)
• Medicinal Leech Genome Assembly — Anticoagulant Gene Catalog — Kvist et al. (2020)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)
• [Medicinal leeches and hirudotherapy] — Gödekmerdan A et al. (2011)
• [Cutaneous pseudolymphoma after hirudotherapy : Case report and review] — Hanner S et al. (2022)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN PRESBYACUZIS PRAECOX IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS AFTER THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT DURING THE POST-CATASTROPHE YEARS — Zabolotnyi D, Mishchanchuk N (2019)
• Hirudotherapy (medicinal leeches) for treatment of upper airway obstruction in a dog — Trenholme H, Masseau I, Reinero C (2021)
• Leech therapy — Yantis M, O'Toole K, Ring P (2009)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →