Prevalence of Leeches and Algae on Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) in Four Created Ponds in Central Ohio: Effects of Pond, Sex, and Age Class

Abstract

Abstract. We examined the prevalence (% of turtles examined) of leeches (Placobdella parasitica) and algae (likely Arnoldiella sp.) on Chrysemys picta found in 4 recently created ponds in central Ohio. Chrysemys picta in ponds with fish were less likely to have leeches and more likely to have algae than those in ponds without fish. Across all ponds, males and females did not differ in leech or algal prevalence, whereas adults were more likely to have leeches than juveniles, but did not differ in algal prevalence.