Parasitism by Placobdella multilineata (Hirudinoidea: Glossiphoniidae) and its first record from Asia

Placobdella multilineata (Hirudinoidea: Glossiphoniidae) a temporary, bloodsucking ectoparasite, was previously recorded only from the southern United States, with turtles and the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) as hosts. This is the first record of P. multilineata from Asia (Beijing, People's Republic of China) and also a new host record for the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). The introduction of P. multilineata to Asia occurred as a result of the transfer of American alligators. All 34 specimens of P. multilineata collected in Beijing were non-clitellate but blood in their guts indicated that feeding had occurred on the host.