Holotype redescription of mimobdella japonica (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Erpobdelliformes) and taxonomic status of the genus Mimobdella

Abstract

Mimobdella japonica Blanchard, 1897, the type species of the genus Mimobdella Blanchard, 1897, is redescribed based on the holotype. This species is characterized by the following characteristics: mid-body somites novem-annulate, two post-anal annuli, male gonopore in XI/XII, female gonopore in XII/XIII, 9 annuli (one full somite) between gonopores, strepsilaematous pharynx and three myognaths with stylets, possessing postcrop caeca in pairs, ovisacs reaching to XXI a2. The genus Mimobdella is placed under the family Salifidae, not Gastrostomobdellidae or Erpobdellidae, according to its possessing three myognaths bearing pharyngeal stylets. © Takafumi Nakano.