Value of CyberInfastructure Access in Leech Identification

Abstract

In the summer of 2009 and 2010 we surveyed leeches in the wetlands on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation and surrounding tribal lands. With the aide of Dr. Frecrich Govedich and Dr. Bonnir Bain from Southern Utah University, we have identified twelve different leech species in the Turtle Mountain area, including Glossiphonia complanata. We are continuing to identify the leeches collected in the summer of 2010. We have a few leeches that are very similar to G. complanata, are found in the same wetland as G. complanata, but may be a subspecies of G. complanata or a different species. CyberIntrastructure access would allow Dr. Govedich and Dr. Bain to directly participate in the identification of these leeches.