Theromyzon


Theromyzon is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Glossiphoniidae. There are about 14 described species in Theromyzon.
Leeches of this genus parasitize birds and are sometimes called duck leeches, although their hosts are not limited to ducks. The Theromyzon species tend to feed in the nasal cavities of waterbirds in general, from ducks to penguins.
As parasites of birds, and in many cases migratory waterfowl, these leeches typically have a broad distribution range. Leeches of the Theromyzon genus have been observed in the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa.

Species

These 14 species belong to the genus Theromyzon:Theromyzon affinis Bennike, 1940Theromyzon bifarium Oosthuizen & Davies, 1993-01Theromyzon cooperi Theromyzon garjaewi Theromyzon maculosum Theromyzon matthaii Bhatia 1939Theromyzon meyeri Theromyzon mollissimum Grube 1871Theromyzon pallens Philippi, 1867Theromyzon propinquum Theromyzon rude Theromyzon tessellatoides Theromyzon tessulatum Theromyzon trizonare Davies & Oosthuizen, 1993-01