An assessment of leech parasitism on semi-aquatic turtles in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina

In 2005, we assessed the occurrence of leeches on semi-aquatic turtles in nine ponds in the North Carolina Piedmont. Placobdella parasitica (smooth turtle leech) was the only parasitic leech found on turtles and was present on turtles from all ponds. Female Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtles) were more frequently parasitized than males (females 54.7%, males 40.9%; p = 0.039), possibly because they are larger and provide more surface for leech attachment. Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtles) had the highest leech load of any species (mean = 32.3/turtle), which we attributed to its large size and bottom-dwelling habits. Most leeches were found attached to the underside of marginal scutes or between the plastron and inguinal region. These sites likely offer protection from the environment when a turtle emerges from the water.