Sucking of human blood by Placobdella costata (O. F. Müller, 1846) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae): Case study with notes on body form

Abstract

Four events of Placobdella costata sucking human blood are described. Human blood was sucked by both adult and juvenile specimens of P. costata. The feeding strategies of juveniles under parental care are presented. New data on juvenile specimens' body form are presented. Information on the potential role of mammals in dispersion and habitat preferences of leeches P. costata is considered.