Hystrichopsylla schefferi
This record describes Hystrichopsylla schefferi (species). Recorded family: Hystrichopsyllidae. Recorded order: Siphonaptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Hystrichopsylla schefferi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hystrichopsylla_schefferi.
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
Geographic Range
w. US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Aplodontia rufa (mountain beaver)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hystrichopsylla schefferi Chapin 1919
About Fleas: the wider group
Order-level background for Siphonaptera, the group containing Hystrichopsylla schefferi. 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 schefferi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hystrichopsylla schefferi
How big is Hystrichopsylla schefferi?
the largest flea, up to 8 mm
Where is Hystrichopsylla schefferi found?
Range: w. US
What does Hystrichopsylla schefferi eat?
The diet of the Hystrichopsylla schefferi includes host: Aplodontia rufa (mountain beaver).