Phylogeny and phylogeography of medicinal leeches (genus Hirudo): fast dispersal and shallow genetic structure

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Peter Trontelj, Serge Y Utevsky

Abstract

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo spp.) are among the best-studied invertebrates in many aspects of their biology. Yet, relatively little is known about their biogeography, ecology and evolution. Previous studies found vast ranges but suggested low genetic diversity for some species. To examine this apparent contradiction, the phylogeny and phylogeography of the widespread Hirudo verbana, Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo orientalis were investigated in a comparative manner. Populations from across their ranges in Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus and Central Asia, were analyzed by various phylogenetic and population genetic approaches using both mitochondrial (COI and 12S) and nuclear DNA sequences (ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2). The populations showed surprisingly little genetic differentiation despite vast ranges. The only clear structure was observed in H. verbana. This species is subdivided into an Eastern (southern Ukraine, North Caucasus, Turkey and Uzbekistan) and a Western phylogroup (Balkans and Italy). The two phylogroups do not overlap, suggesting distinct postglacial colonization from separate refugia. Leeches supplied by commercial facilities belong to the Eastern phylogroup of H. verbana; they originate from Turkey and the Krasnodar T...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 10, 2013·The Journal of Parasitology·Mark E SiddallChristos Barboutis
Oct 30, 2016·Frontiers in Microbiology·Jeremiah N MardenJoerg Graf
Oct 28, 2016·Parasitology Research·Christian MüllerJan-Peter Hildebrandt
Mar 3, 2020·American Journal of Botany·Juliana M L LopesLyderson F Viccini
Jul 31, 2021·Animal Reproduction Science·Mustafa CeylanSebastian Kvist

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