Ischnopsyllidae

Definition

A family of fleas (order Siphonaptera) whose species are obligate ectoparasites of bats, with morphological and behavioral specializations for clinging to fur and navigating roosting aggregations. Members exhibit host specificity ranging from narrow (single bat species) to broad (multiple genera), making them useful for studies of host-parasite coevolution and bat population connectivity.

Etymology

Greek ischnos (slender, lean) + Greek psylla (flea), referring to the gracile body form typical of these bat-associated fleas.

Example

The genus Myodopsylla within Ischnopsyllidae includes species that track their bat hosts between summer maternity colonies and winter hibernacula, with population genetic structure mirroring that of their vespertilionid bat hosts.

Related Terms

• Siphonaptera
• Pulicidae
• Ceratophyllidae
• bat fly
• Streblidae
• Trichobius
• host specificity
• Ectoparasite

Usage Notes

Distinguished from other flea families by host restriction to Chiroptera and associated morphological traits (elongated, laterally compressed bodies adapted for dense fur). Not to be confused with Nycteribiidae or Streblidae (bat flies, Diptera), which occupy similar ecological niches but belong to a different order.