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A review of reproduction and cocooning in leech
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Sepide Firouzbakhsh *   , Mohammad Sudagar |
| Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources |
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Abstract: (2548 Views) |
In recent decades, due to the importance of using leeches in medical sciences and the treatment of many diseases, these creatures have been receiving a lot of attention. Leeches are hermaphrodites, But they do not have the ability to self-fertilize. Morphological studies on different leech species show that the position of male and female genital pores is of great importance. These pores are located in the leech's clitellum region. The clitellum region is responsible for reproductive behavior in leeches. This area is usually in the form of several swollen rings in the anterior part of the leech's body, which can be seen during reproduction. Mating in leeches is through internal fertilization and the exchange of sperm into the reproductive organs of another female leech. The glands in the clitellum region produce nutrients and proteins necessary for the formation of the cocoon. The leech eggs are transferred into the cocoon from the pore of the female leech, and after about twenty days, the leech larvae come out of the cocoon. Currently, some leech species are in danger of extinction due to excessive use of leeches and indiscriminate harvesting, as well as due to environmental pollution in natural habitats. Reproduction and cultivation of leech help to maintain survival and prevent a decrease in the leech population. In order to have successful reproduction and breeding, it is important to know how the leech reproductive system works. This study discusses the function of the leech reproductive system, male and female organs, clitellum region, fertilization, cocooning, and larval production in leeches.
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| Keywords: The leech, Cocoon, Reproduction, internal fertilization, morphology. |
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Full-Text [PDF 776 kb]
(215 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/10/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/30 | Published: 2025/02/2
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