Erpobdella octoculata is found in stagnant or slow-flowing water. Can be caught with a pole strainer or net in shallow water. Erpobdella octoculata may not occur in such dense populations, so it may take time to collect numbers. In my work there has often been one individual per sample where it is found.

@all Finding a specific species of leech, such as Erpobdella octoculata, can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of successful sampling. Here are some tips and best practices to help you collect these leeches for your ecotoxicology experiments:

Remember that the abundance and distribution of species can vary over time, so it's essential to be patient and persistent in your sampling efforts. Good luck with your ecotoxicology experiments!

Erpobdella octoculata can successfully collect leeches, explore their preferred habitats, and focus on aquatic environments such as streams, ponds, and wetlands. Leeches often reside in association with submerged vegetation, rocks, or leaf litter, so look for dense vegetation or rocks in the water. Use sampling devices such as spider webs or slope nets for efficient collection. Set baited traps with raw meat, fish, and hands and legs in the water body to attract leeches for easier collection. Sampling at specific times of day and year can increase the chances of successful collection.