Tungidae

Definition

A family of fleas (order Siphonaptera) containing the chigoe flea (genus Tunga) and related genera, now usually treated as Hectopsyllidae. Members are notable for the female's neosomic (hypertrophied) phase in which she burrows into host skin to feed and reproduce, causing tungiasis in mammals including humans.

Etymology

From genus Tunga (type genus) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The jigger or chigoe flea, Tunga penetrans, formerly classified in Tungidae, is a significant ectoparasite of humans and pigs in tropical regions, with females embedding in soft skin of feet.

Synonyms

• Hectopsyllidae

Related Terms

• Siphonaptera
• Tunga
• Hectopsylla
• neosomy
• tungiasis
• Pulicoidea
• Ectoparasite

Usage Notes

Tungidae is the older, now largely superseded name; contemporary taxonomic authorities generally use Hectopsyllidae. Some classifications treat this group as subfamily Hectopsyllinae within family Pulicidae when Pulicoidea is demoted to family rank. The family is distinguished by extreme sexual dimorphism and the unique neosomic development of gravid females.