AuthorElliott, J.M. & Mann, K.H.
Year1979
TitleA Key to British Freshwater Leeches
ISBN900386 38 X
SeriesFBA Scientific Publication
TypeBook/Report
How CompleteCovers all UK species known at the time
SourceFBA Scientific Publication , No. 40, 3 edition, 72pp, Freshwater Biological Association
IllustrationsCopious line drawings and a single colour plate
Review (by Malcolm Storey)A dichotomous key to the adult species with copious line drawings, and chapters on biology, life history etc. There is also a short chapter on the identification of leech coccoons.
Examine with x15 or x20 hand lens
Specimen PreparationLiving leeches may be anaesthetized in soda water and then examined while held between two microscope slides. Large black leeches may need to be killed and bleached for 20 mins in 5% KOH.
Identification difficultyAdult leech identification uses the position of the eyes, and once these are seen it is straightforward. Coccoons are harder.

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentHIRUDINEAleechesAnimalia
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