Ultrastructure and significance of the transitory nephridia in Erpobdella octoculata (Hirudinea, Annelida)

In early developmental stages of Erpobdella octoculata two pairs of transitory nephridia occur which degenerate during the formation of the body segments. Because in the ground pattern of Annelida the first nephridia formed during ontogenesis are protonephridia, it can be assumed that the transitory nephridia of E. octoculata are homologous to the larval protonephridia (head kidneys) of Polychaeta. To test this hypothesis two cryptolarvae of E. octoculata were investigated ultrastructurally. Both pairs of transitory nephridia are serially arranged to either side of the midgut vestigium. Each organ consists of a coiled duct that opens separately to the exterior by an intraepidermal nephridiopore cell. The duct is percellular and formed by seventeen cells. Adluminal adherens and septate junctions connect all duct cells; the most proximal duct cell completely encloses the terminal end of the duct lumen. A filtration structure characteristic for protonephridia is lacking. Additionally, the entire organ lacks an inner ciliation. Morphologically and ultrastructurally the transitory nephridia of E. octoculata show far reaching congruencies with the segmental metanephridia in different species of the Hirudinea. These congruencies support the assumption that formation of transitory nephridia and definitive metanephridia in Hirudinea depends on the same genetic information. The same inherited information is assumed to cause the development of larval head kidneys and subsequently formed nephridia in different species of the Polychaeta. Thus, the presumed identical fate of a segmentally repeated nephridial anlage supports the hypothesis of a homology between the transitory nephridia in Hirudinea species and the protonephridial head kidneys in the ground pattern of the Polychaeta. We, therefore, assume that functional constraints lead to a modification of the protonephridial head kidneys in Hirudinea and explain ultrastructural differences between the transitory nephridia in Hirudinea and the protonephridia in Polychaeta. Accepted: 11 December 2000     

Intra- and interspecific predation on the cocoons of Erpobdella octoculata (L.) (Annelida: Hirudinea)

In laboratory experiments, eleven out of twenty-one invertebrate species and all of the three fish species tested fed on freshly laid flaccid cocoons of Erpobdella octoculata, though predation was only severe from a dytiscid beetle, E. octoculata and the fish species. There was a tendency for more cocoons to be eaten by starved than fed predators. Only snail species damaged one-week-old tougher cocoons.Only one out of 471 E. octoculata collected during their breeding season from the stony shores of two eutrophic lakes had a cocoon in its gut.The role of cannibalism of and interspecific predation on cocoons in the control and regulation of lake-dwelling populations of the erpobdellid is discussed, and assessed to be relatively unimportant. A more likely regulatory mechanism may involve high juvenile mortality from as yet unknown causes.     

Hyalella montezuma,a new species (crustacea: amphipoda) from montezuma well,Arizona

Two distinct species of Hyalella Smith, with no intermediate forms, occur in the Arizona limnocrene known as Montezuma Well. One is referable to the inermis type of H. azteca (Sauss.). The other is a new and presumably endemic species, H. montezuma, characterized by elongate appendages, mucronation of tergites of pereonite 7 and pleonites 1 & 2, and remarkably enlarged mouthparts; the inner plate of maxilla 1 is broad and armed with up to 30 plumose setae, rather than the 2–3 apical setae that typify the genus. H. azteca occurs alone in a small stream emerging from the Well; both species coexist at the weedy margins of the Well; and H. montezuma swims alone in the open water, where it is a member of the plankton. A high level of free CO₂ in the water serves as a barrier to fish, indirectly allowing Hyalella to colonize the limnetic zone where it represents, perhaps, one of four of the World's freshwater planktonic amphipods. Theoretically, the ancestors of H. montezuma arrived at the Well sometime more than 11,000 years BP, when it was a new steep-walled collapse basin lacking fish; H. azteca appeared later after a shallow littoral zone had developed. The two species are reproductively isolated at present.     

Population dynamics and production of the pelagic amphipod Hyalella montezuma in a thermally constant system

SUMMARY. 1. The population dynamics and annual production of the multivoltine. pelagic amphipod Hyalella montezuma were studied over a 3-year period in the thermally constant environment of Montezuma Well. Arizona.
2. H. montezuma showed two maxima which coincided with spring and autumn phytoplankton maxima. Juveniles comprised over 85% of the population in the pelagic zone compared to 37% in the littoral vegetation and there were significantly more females in the littoral vegetation. It appears that juvenile and adult H. montezuma show different habitat preferences.
3. Total annual mean production for H. montezuma calculated by the size frequency method and adjusted for multiple generations, was 357 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, which is higher than single-species production estimates reported for most zoobenthic amphipods and multivoltine planktonic crustaceans. Average energy production for H. montezuma was 4640 kJ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the pelagic zone and 1072 kJ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the littoral vegetation.
4. Average cohort P / ratios for H. montezuma were higher in the pelagic zone (5.5) than in the litttoral vegetation (3.7). Juveniles had higher cohort P ratios than adults in the pelagic zone, while the reverse relationship was true in the littoral vegetation. We propose that different size-selective predators may contribute to the differences in P ratios for juveniles and adults in these two habitats.     

Hyaluronidase activity in leeches (Hirudinea)

The leech hyaluronoglucuronidase (hyaluronidase I) was identified in Erpobdellidae (Nephelopsis obscura and Erpobdella punctata) and Glossiphoniidae (Desserobdella picta) and historically described from Hirudinidae (Hirudo medicinalis). A second leech hyaluronidase (hyaluronidase II) which hydrolyzed only a few bonds to for hyaluronan oligosaccharides larger than 6500 Da, was found in Glossiphoniidae (Helobdella stagnalis, Glossiphonia complanata, Placobdella ornata, and Theromyzon sp.) and in Haemopidae (Haemopis marmorata). The distribution of the two hyaluronidases in leech occurred in both orders (Arhynchobdellida and Rhynchobdellida) and in macrophagous and haematophagous feeding types whereas the liquidosomatophagous leeches only had hyaluronidase II.     

Evidence of selective feeding on larvaceans by the pelagic copepod Candacia bipinnata (Calanoida: Candaciidae)

Gut contents of Candacia bipinnata collected from the InlandSea of Japan and the neighbouring sea revealed that these pelagiccalanoid copepods feed selectively on larvaceans.     

Molecular phylogeny of Siberian glossiphoniidae (Hirudinea)

A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on gene fragments of the first subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome-c-oxidase (COI) from Siberian glossiphoniids and phylogenetically relative Palearctic species demonstrated that Siberian representatives do not belong to the species Glossiphonia complanata, as was believed previously, and have an autonomous taxonomic status. Furthermore, the detected genetic distances make it possible to accept the mtCOI fragment as a suitable marker for the molecular identification of the species within the Glossiphoniidae (Hirudinea).     

Zur substruktur der cuticula der egel (Hirudinea)

Zusammenfassung Die Cuticula der Hirudineen besteht aus zwei Anteilen, einer Innenund einer Außenschicht. Die etwa 1 dicke Innenschicht wird von Lamellen aufgebaut, zwischen denen luftgefüllte Kammern eingeschlos sen Bind. Durch these Bauweise vereint die Cuticula in sick zugleich Festigkeit und Elastizität, wodurch she die bei Kontraktionen des Egelkörpers entstehenden Spannungen aufzunehmen vermag. Die Außenschicht wird von einem dichten Borstenbesatz gebildet, der ein gutes Haften des Schleimbelages ermöglicht. Das epidermale Plasma ist mit der Oberfläche der Cuticula durch Kanälchen verbunden. Sie deenen wahrscheinlich der Abscheidung von Sekreten.

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On the Ultrastructure of the Cuticle of Leeches (Hirudinea)

Electron microscopy of the cuticle of leeches has revealed two layers, an inner layer with air chambers and an outer layer composed of digitiform filaments. The possible functions of both the outer layer and inner layer are discussed.

     

The feeding habits of six pelagic and predatory teleosts in eastern Cape coastal waters (South Africa)

A four-year study of the feeding habits of six pelagic teleost species in eastern Cape coastal waters of South Africa is analysed. These predators are Lichia amia, Pomatomus sallatrix, Seriola lalandi, Atractoscion aequidens, Katsuwonus pelamis and Thunnus albacares. All species occur in inshore coastal water (< 1 -8 km from shore) for at least part of the year. The tunas were also sampled from the edge of the continental shelf (40–50 km from shore). The use of squid 'beaks' and fish otoliths allowed accurate prey identification and size estimates. Variations in prey taken are attributed to differences in locality, predator species and size. Three pelagic fish species are important to all the predators: Sardinops ocettata, Etrumeus teres and Engraulis capensis. The inshore squid, Loligo reynaudi, is another major prey item. Offshore tuna samples revealed a different prey spectrum, viz. oceanic squid and saury, Scomberesox saurus, being taken frequently.     

Genetic variation and species identification among selected leeches (Hirudinea) revealed by RAPD markers

Leech taxonomy is based on unstable morphological characters. The overall level of genetic variability and species differentiation is unknown. Using the RAPD assays genetic diversities and genetic similarities were estimated in twelve species collected in North-Eastern Poland and representing three families and five subfamilies. Ten primers revealed 204 reproducible bands. Genetic diversities varied from 0.099 to 0.219 classifying studied species among variable invertebrates. Total 45 markers comprised 22% of all amplified bands were unique for species thus enabling their identification. Genetic similarities among species (0.528–0.811) evidenced several stages of differentiation, which is mirrored in the current taxonomy. The UPGMA and multidimensional scaling (nMDS) based on our RAPDs are congruent and reflected traditional division into “Rhynchobdellida” and Arhynchobdellida. The RAPD approach proved to be an effective tool in population and evolutionary studies of leeches. For the first time, genetic parameters were estimated enabling to compare leeches with outcomes from other animals.     

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Whitmania pigra (Annelida, Hirudinea): the first representative from the class Hirudinea

The mitochondrial genome is a significant tool for investigating the evolutionary history of metazoan animals. The currently available mitochondrial genome data in GenBank is limited to understand the detail evolutionary relationship among the metazoan animals, especially in the phylum Annelida. Here we present the mitochondrial gene organization, gene order and codon usage of the leech Whitmania pigra (Annelida), which is the first representative from the class Hirudinea. It is a circular molecule of 14,426bp, and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. All 37 genes of W. pigra mitochondrial genome are transcribed from the same strand, which is identical to studied annelids, two echiurans, two sipunculans and many other lophotrochozoans. Five conserved gene clusters can be found in mitochondrial genomes of nine studied annelids, including (1) cox1-N-cox2; (2) cox3-Q-nad6-cob-W-atp6; (3) H-nad5-F-E-P-T-nad4L-nad4; (4) srRNA-V-lrRNA; and (5) nad3-S(1)-nad2. Compared with that of other studied annelids, translocations of transfer RNAs were found in the gene arrangement of W. pigra mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic analysis strongly support that the species from Hirudinina and Oligochaeta form a monophyletic group Clitellata (BPM=100, BPP=100), which is consistent with previous research based on morphological and other molecular data. Both gene order data and amino acid sequences reveal that echiurans are derived annelids and sipunculans should be clustered with annelids and echiurans.     

Diel pattern of pelagic distribution and feeding in planktivorous fish

Summary The spatial distribution of juvenile roach (Rutilus rutilus), rudd (Scardinius erythrophtalamus), bream (Abramis brama) and bleak (Alburnus alburnus) was registered by echosounding during two years in small Bavarian lakes. The gut contents of the fish were analysed in order to reconstruct their rhythmicity of food intake. Fish were found in the pelagic zone only during the night, feeding before midnight with maximal rate. The vertical position of the fish was dependent on the water transparency following a light intensity in the order of 10^-3 Lux. The diel migration between littoral and pelagic zones was a mainly horizontal one with a vertical component. Both the speed of increase of fish density in the open water and of the vertical movement was correlated to the speed of change of light intensity. Shoals broke up into single fish during the offshore migration. The span of presence in the pelagic zone was identical with the duration of the dark period. During winter no diel migration nor periodical feeding took place.     

A new species of Alboglossiphonia (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) from Egypt

A new Alboglossiphonia species from Egypt is described and figured. This leech is placed in the genus Alboglossiphonia on the basis of having three pairs of eyes, diffuse salivary glands, seven pairs of crop caeca, and the attachment of its eggs to the venter. It differs from other Alboglossiphonia species with seven pairs of crop caeca in its combination of very prominent dorsal papillae, two annuli between the gonopores, lobed first six pairs of crop caeca, and paired ducts of male system at peak of activity with conspicuously differentiated sperm duct, seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct regions.     

Topographie des kreislaufsystems und zirkulation bei Hirudo medicinalis (Annelida,Hirudinea)

The circulatory system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis was investigated by means of the latex method and in vivo experiments. For the first time the vascular configuration of the suckers and nephridia, and a unidirectional blood flow in all vessels are demonstrated.

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Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Redescription of the African fish leechBatracobdelloides tricarinata (Blanchard, 1897) (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae)

A study of well over one thousand specimens provided proof to put the conspecifity of the two supposed species originally described asHelobdella tricarinata andClepsine nilotica beyond all doubt. Evidence is presented which indicates that the striking changes in body-shape and drastic alteration in the appearance of the tuberculation at different stages of reproduction and nutrition combined with individual variation in tuberculation, annulation, and in the arrangement and pigmentation of the eyes were responsible for earlier confusion as to the identity of this species. Since the early accounts were incomplete and contained some important errorsBatracobdelloides tricarinata is redescribed and, for the first time, comprehensively figured.     

Ovaries of Tubificinae (Clitellata, Naididae) resemble ovary cords found in Hirudinea (Clitellata)

The ultrastructure of the ovaries and oogenesis was studied in three species of three genera of Tubificinae. The paired ovaries are small, conically shaped structures, connected to the intersegmental septum between segments X and XI by their narrow end. The ovaries are composed of syncytial cysts of germ cells interconnected by stable cytoplasmic bridges (ring canals) and surrounded by follicular cells. The architecture of the germ-line cysts is exactly the same as in all clitellate annelids studied to date, i.e. each cell in a cyst has only one ring canal connecting it to the central, anuclear cytoplasmic mass, the cytophore. The ovaries found in all of the species studied seem to be meroistic, i.e. the ultimate fate of germ cells within a cyst is different, and the majority of cells withdraw from meiosis and become nurse cells; the rest continue meiosis, gather macromolecules, cell organelles and storage material, and become oocytes. The ovaries are polarized; their narrow end contains mitotically dividing oogonia and germ cells entering the meiosis prophase; whereas within the middle and basal parts, nurse cells, a prominent cytophore and growing oocytes occur. During late previtellogenesis/early vitellogenesis, the oocytes detach from the cytophore and float in the coelom; they are usually enveloped by the peritoneal epithelium and associated with blood vessels. Generally, the organization of ovaries in all of the Tubificinae species studied resembles the polarized ovary cords found within the ovisacs of some Euhirudinea. The organization of ovaries and the course of oogenesis between the genera studied and other clitellate annelids are compared. Finally, it is suggested that germ-line cysts formation and the meroistic mode of oogenesis may be a primary character for all Clitellata.     

The cleavage pattern in the leech Theromyzon tessulatum (Hirudinea, Glossiphoniidae)

In order to evaluate the differences in the cleavage patterns of the glossiphoniid leeches Glossiphonia complanata and Theromyzon tessulatum, previously studied by Müller ('32) and Schmidt ('17, '41), the cleavage of Theromyzon tessulatum was reexamined. For the period of the first 29 hours of development embryos were observed, photographed, and serially sectioned for light microscopy at each developmental stage. The exact cell lineage until completion of teloblast formation is reported. Besides some other not previously reported features, we show that the mesoteloblast precursor cell in the glossiphoniid leeches, as probably in most Annelida, is not the cell 3D, but cell 4d formed by an additional division of cell 3D. The results further indicate that all glossiphoniid leeches likely share a common cleavage pattern, and that major differences between Glossiphonia complanata and Theromyzon tessulatum do not exist. A comparison between the cleavage patterns of some Oligochaeta and Hirudinea is made, and plesiomorphic characters in the cleavage of a clitellate ancestor species and their deviations in present day species are discussed.