Ultrastructural jaw morphology of Hirudinaria manillensis and Haemadipsa montana

Abstract

This study used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to compare the jaw morphology of two important leech species infesting livestock and human in northeastern India: aquatic Hirudinaria manillensis and terrestrial Haemadipsa montana. The jaws of H. manillensis were thick, convex, and studded with salivary papillae, while its long, pointed teeth were largest at the center of the jaw. In contrast, H. montana had thin, compressed jaws with smooth surfaces and curved teeth arranged in a convex plate. Salivary gland ducts were present near the teeth. These findings highlight the specialized jaw adaptations in both species for efficient incision on host tissue, aiding in parasitism.