Distribution and first reports of Branchiobdellida (Annelida: Clitellata) on crayfish in the prairie provinces of Canada

Authors

Bronwyn W. Williams, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaFollow
Stuart R. Gelder, University of Maine at Presque IsleFollow
Heather Proctor, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaFollow

Abstract

Orconectes virilis (northern crayfish) were collected from 67 sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and far-western Ontario, Canada, and yielded 2 species of branchiobdellidans, Cambarincola vitreus and Cambarincola chirocephalus. This is the first report of branchiobdellidans in the Prairie Provinces. Cambarincola vitreus was distributed across the study area, but C. chirocephalus appeared to be restricted to southeastern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, and the site in western Ontario. Neither branchiobdellidan species was observed on crayfish in the Beaver River or the South Saskatchewan River and associated tributaries upstream (west) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, despite multiple sampling at these locations.

Recommended Citation

Williams, Bronwyn W.; Gelder, Stuart R.; and Proctor, Heather (2009) "Distribution and first reports of Branchiobdellida (Annelida: Clitellata) on crayfish in the prairie provinces of Canada," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 69: No. 1, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol69/iss1/14