Stick-tight fleas in the nostrils and below the tongue : evolution of an extraordinary infestation site in Hectopsylla (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) - Research portal of Justus Liebig University Giessen:

Journal article

Stick-tight fleas in the nostrils and below the tongue : evolution of an extraordinary infestation site in Hectopsylla (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae)

Authors list: Blank, SM; Kutzscher, C; Masello, JF; Pilgrim, RLC; Quillfeldt, P

Publication year: 2007

Pages: 117-137

Journal: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

Volume number: 149

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 0024-4082

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2006.00239.x

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:
Association with terrestrial mammals as hosts and a sessile mode of life in females are ground plan traits of the stick-tight fleas associated with Hectopsylla + Tunga. Hectopsylla comprises the lineages H. pulex + [H. psittaci-group + H. broscus-group]. The stem species of the H. psittaci-group has switched to birds. Hectopsylla narium sp. nov. infests the nestlings of the burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus patagonus; Psittacidae). The infestation sites inside the nasal cavity, and later during the breeding season also below the tongue, are unique among fleas. These sites provide a concealed habitat for the sessile, immobile females, where they are safe against cleaning activities of their host and the host's parents. The fleas are able to disperse actively within the bird colony. Their dispersal over long distances can only be assumed to happen accidentally, as fleas have never been found on adult parrots during field studies in Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina. Data on the species bionomics, morphological descriptions and illustrations, and an identification key for H. narium and related taxa are presented. A lectotype is designated for H. psittaci. The family group name Tunginae is proposed as a new synonym of Hectopsyllinae.

Authors/Editors

- Uni.-Prof. Dr. Petra Quillfeldt

Citation Styles

Harvard Citation style: Blank, S., Kutzscher, C., Masello, J., Pilgrim, R. and Quillfeldt, P. (2007) Stick-tight fleas in the nostrils and below the tongue : evolution of an extraordinary infestation site in Hectopsylla (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 149(1), pp. 117-137. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2006.00239.x

APA Citation style: Blank, S., Kutzscher, C., Masello, J., Pilgrim, R., & Quillfeldt, P. (2007). Stick-tight fleas in the nostrils and below the tongue : evolution of an extraordinary infestation site in Hectopsylla (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 149(1), 117-137. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2006.00239.x