Thomas R. Rainwater

Microbiome Diversity, Persistence, and Potential Symbiont Dynamics in Placobdella Leeches from American Alligators

Placobdella leeches are common ectoparasites of reptiles that rely on microbial symbionts to supplement the nutritional limitations of blood feeding. Although the primary symbiont Reichenowia is documented, little is known about the broader microbial community or ecological factors that influence Placobdella m...