Ancistropsyllidae

Definition

A monotypic family of fleas (order Siphonaptera) containing only the genus Ancistropsylla. Members are ectoparasitic insects with the laterally compressed body, jumping hind legs, and piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of Siphonaptera. The family's restricted distribution and single-genus composition make it notable in flea systematics and regional parasitology.

Etymology

From Ancistropsylla (type genus, from Greek ankistron 'fishhook' + psylla 'flea') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Ancistropsyllidae is one of the smaller families of Siphonaptera, with species in the genus Ancistropsylla recorded as parasites of small mammals in parts of Asia.

Related Terms

• Siphonaptera
• Ancistropsylla
• Pulicidae
• Ceratophyllidae
• flea
• Ectoparasite

Usage Notes

Ancistropsyllidae is a valid family in modern flea taxonomy, though its monotypic status and limited geographic range mean it appears infrequently in general parasitology literature. The family is distinguished from the much larger Pulicidae and Ceratophyllidae by its single genus and distinctive genitalic characters. Specialists may encounter this family in regional faunal surveys or phylogenetic studies of basal siphonapteran lineages.