Abstract
One extremely large leech specimen of Trocheta haskonis Grosser, 2000, reaching almost 190 mm when contracted, was collected in an underground vault constructed out of concrete in the village Prijakovci in the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This finding indicates that one of the largest European leech species can colonize also small artificial habitats like a utility vaults, possible also subway tunnels and storm drains.
Highlights
Trocheta haskonis Grosser, 2000, is one of the largest European leech species discovered so far
Feeding behavior and reproductive biology of Trocheta haskonis was studied by Grosser & Kutschera (2004) who found this species to be a terrestrial predator that feeds on earthworms
External characters of the specimen examined from Banja Luka are in agreement with the previous description of T. haskonis by Grosser (2000, 2013)
Summary
Trocheta haskonis Grosser, 2000, is one of the largest European leech species discovered so far. This species was originally described from the flood plains along the river Elbe in Germany (Grosser 2000). Since this species was recorded from one locality in Austria (Erbsbach, Wienna Woods) and from one cave in Eastern Serbia (Grosser 2013). Feeding behavior and reproductive biology of Trocheta haskonis was studied by Grosser & Kutschera (2004) who found this species to be a terrestrial predator that feeds on earthworms. This study addresses the finding of Trocheta haskonis in one unusual habitat filling gap in our knowledge of the geographical distribution of this species
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