Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

11:53
Intracellular Recording, Sensory Field Mapping, and Culturing Identified Neurons in the Leech, Hirudo medicinalis
Published on: November 4, 2013
Leech-Repellent Property of Eastern Red-Spotted Newts, Notophthalmus viridescens
Abstract:
Eastern red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens, Salamandridae) are rarely attacked by leeches. This protection is not shared by related salamandrids or by Ambystoma (Ambystomatidae). Tetrodotoxin is not the repelent. The immunity of Notophthalmus to leech parasitism is probably most significant in its aquatic stages, although the terrestrial efts are also protected.

