Hystrichopsylla occidentalis
This record describes Hystrichopsylla occidentalis (species). Recorded family: Hystrichopsyllidae. Recorded order: Siphonaptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only Hystrichopsylla with 8 or more spines on both sides of the genal ctenidium. The smallest member of the genus Hystrichopsylla, but still a very large flea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Siphonaptera (Fleas)
- Family
- Hystrichopsyllidae
- Genus
- Hystrichopsylla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found mainly in Coniferous forests.
Geographic Range
Widespread in Western North America, from Alaska to Alberta in the North and California to Arizona in the South.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Commonly found on voles in the genus Clethrionomys, but has been recorded from a variety of other small rodents and insectivores.
Life History
This species spends much of its life off of its host, and often stays in the nest when the host leaves.
About Fleas: the wider group
Order-level background for Siphonaptera, the group containing Hystrichopsylla occidentalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Siphonaptera (fleas) includes ~2,500 described species. Fleas can jump up to 150 times their own body length - equivalent to a human jumping over a 75-story building. This makes them the best jumpers relative to body size of any animal.
Ecological role of the group
Fleas have been parasitizing mammals for at least 165 million years based on fossil evidence. They can transmit diseases including plague, murine typhus, and tapeworms. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The U.S. pet flea treatment market is worth over $4.4 billion annually. Historically, rat fleas transmitted the bubonic plague (Black Death), which killed an estimated 75-200 million people in the 14th century - roughly 30-60% of Europe's population.
Recorded sources for this group: CDC, WHO, pet industry market research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hystrichopsylla occidentalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Hystrichopsylla occidentalis
What is Hystrichopsylla occidentalis?
Hystrichopsylla occidentalis is a species in the family Hystrichopsyllidae, within the order Siphonaptera.
How do you identify Hystrichopsylla occidentalis?
The only Hystrichopsylla with 8 or more spines on both sides of the genal ctenidium.
Where is Hystrichopsylla occidentalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found mainly in Coniferous forests. |
| Range | Widespread in Western North America, from Alaska to Alberta in the North and California to Arizona in the South. |
What does Hystrichopsylla occidentalis eat?
The diet of the Hystrichopsylla occidentalis includes Commonly found on voles in the genus Clethrionomys, but has been recorded from a variety of other small rodents and insectivores..
What is the life cycle of a Hystrichopsylla occidentalis?
This species spends much of its life off of its host, and often stays in the nest when the host leaves.