Genetic variation and species identification among selected leeches (Hirudinea) revealed by RAPD markers

Leech taxonomy is based on unstable morphological characters. The overall level of genetic variability and species differentiation is unknown. Using the RAPD assays genetic diversities and genetic similarities were estimated in twelve species collected in North-Eastern Poland and representing three families and five subfamilies. Ten primers revealed 204 reproducible bands. Genetic diversities varied from 0.099 to 0.219 classifying studied species among variable invertebrates. Total 45 markers comprised 22% of all amplified bands were unique for species thus enabling their identification. Genetic similarities among species (0.528–0.811) evidenced several stages of differentiation, which is mirrored in the current taxonomy. The UPGMA and multidimensional scaling (nMDS) based on our RAPDs are congruent and reflected traditional division into “Rhynchobdellida” and Arhynchobdellida. The RAPD approach proved to be an effective tool in population and evolutionary studies of leeches. For the first time, genetic parameters were estimated enabling to compare leeches with outcomes from other animals.