DIFFERENTIATION OF SOME SIMILAR SPECIES OF THE SUBFAMILY TROCHETINAE (HIRUDINIDA: ERPOBDELLIDAE)

Abstract

Some species of the subfamily Trochetinae Perrier, 1897 are very similar in the external morphology. In this paper we showed that characteristics of the reproductive system can be used as unmistakable features for the determination of the similar species. The atrium with its shape and extension of the cornua, as well as the shape and extension of the vasa deferentia and ovarian sacks, are very important features for the identification at the species level. We discussed similarity and differences between Dina stschegolewi (Lukin & Epshtein, 1960) and other yellow spoted Erpobdellids, i.e., D. orientalis Grosser et al. 2011, D. apathyi Gedroyć, 1916, D. pseudotrocheta Grosser & Eiseler, 2008), as well between Dina pseudotrocheta and Trocheta pseudodina Nesemann, 1990.The study of the reproductive system shows that the population from the Taunus Mt. assigned by Nesemann (1993) and Nesemann & Neubert (1999) to Trocheta bykowskii (syn. to T. cylindrica) clearly differs from T.cylindrica Örley, 1886. This population here is described as Trocheta taunensis n. sp.The taxonomic status of Trocheta intermedia Kutschera, 2010 is discussed. Morphological and anatomical studies of the type material show that Trocheta intermedia is a younger synonym of Dina punctata mauchi Nesemann, 1995.