FIG 1.

Bray-Curtis NMDS plot of leech-associated microbiotas showing that the microbiota is host species specific at the genus level but not at higher taxonomic levels. Two leech species were sampled (Hirudo verbana [orange] and Macrobdella decora [cyan]) at three organ sites (ILF [circles], intestinum [triangles], and bladder [plus signs]). (A) At the ASV level, 47% of the total variation between samples is described by separating the two leech host species. (B) When taxa were grouped at 88% sequence similarity (i.e., order level), only 20% of the total variation between samples was described by separating the two leech host species. Ellipses were calculated at 95% confidence. Stress was <0.14.