Research Interests

My research focuses on the phylogenetics, biogeography and mitochondrial genome evolution of invertebrates, with special emphasis on Annelida. Current systems of investigation include: a) marine, represented by fireworms (Amphinomida) and b) terrestrial, represented by the bloodfeeding terrestrial leeches (Hirudinida: Haemadipsidae) from the IndoPacific.

Current projects

• Resolving amphinomid phylogeny based on morphology and molecular data

(with Greg Rouse, Jerry Kudenov, Ken Halanych)

• Phylogeography of Archinome from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps

(with Greg Rouse, Jerry Kudenov, Robert Vrijenhoek)

• Mitochondrial genome evolution of Amphinomidae

(with Ken Halanych)

• Phylogeny and systematics of IndoPacific terrestrial leeches (Haemadipsidae)

(with Mark Siddall)

Publications

Journal Articles

Borda, E., Oceguera-Figueroa, A. and Siddall, M. E. 2008. On the classification, evolution and biogeography of terrestrial haemadipsoid leeches (Hirudinida: Arhynchobdellida: Hirudiniformes). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 46(1): 142 – 154.

Borda, E. 2006. Revision of the Malagabdellinae (Arhynchobdellida: Domanibdellidae), including a new species of Malagabdella Richardson 1978 from Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. American Museum Novitates. 3531: 1 – 13.

Siddall, M. E, Budinoff, R. B. and Borda, E. 2005. Phylogenetic evaluation of systematics and biogeography of the leech family Glossiphoniidae. Invertebrate Systematics. 19(2): 105 – 112.

Borda, E. and Siddall, M. E. 2004. Review of the evolution of life history strategies of the Hirudinida (Annelida: Oligochaeta). Lauterbornia 52: 5 – 25.

Siddall, M. E. and Borda, E. 2004. Leech collections from Chile including two new species of Helobdella. American Museum Novitates. 3457: 1 – 18.

Borda E. and Siddall, M.E. 2004. Arhynchobdellida (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Hirudinida): phylogenetic relationships and evolution. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 30: 213 – 225.

Siddall, M.E. and Borda, E. 2003. Phylogeny of the leech genus Helobdella (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) based on mitochondrial gene sequences and morphological data and a special consideration of the triserialis complex. Zoologica Scripta 32: 23 – 33.

Book Chapters

Halanych, K. M. and Borda, E. In Press. Chapter 1 – Developing models for lophotrochozoan and annelid biology. IN: Annelids in Modern Biology. Shaine, D. (ed). John Wiley & Sons. Indianapolis, IN.

Siddall, M. E., Bely, A. E. and Borda, E. 2006. Chapter 10 – Hirudinida. IN: Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Annelida. Rouse, G. and Pliejel, F. (eds.) Enfield, New Hampshire.

Siddall, M.E., Borda, E. and Rouse, G.W. 2004. Chapter 15 – Towards a Tree of Life for the Annelida. IN: Assembling the Tree of Life. Cracraft, J. and Donoghue, M. (eds.) Oxford University Press, New York.

Research Note

Graham, S. P. and Borda, E. In Press. First report of leech parasitism in the amphibian family Sirenidae. Comparative Parasitology.