Turtle ectoparasites from the Pacific coastal region of ColombiaThis study provides an update on the ectoparasites (ticks and leeches) associated with Rhinoclemmys annulata and provides new accounts on the ectoparasites associated with R. nasuta, R. melanosterna andKinosternon leucostomum from the Pacific coast of Colombia. The presence ofAmblyomma sabanerae on R. nasuta and R. melanosterna provided two new host records for the tick species. Also, the documentation ofA. sabanerae from the Department of Valle del Cauca represents a new department record for the species in Colombia. Placobdella ringueleti was identified fromR. nasuta and K. leucostomum, which represents a new host record for the leech species, as well as a significant extension of the known range.
tick; leech; Testudines; Rhinoclemmys annulata; Rhinoclemmys melanosterna; Rhinoclemmys nasuta; Kinosternon leucostomum; Amblyomma sabanerae; Placobdella ringueleti
