Leptinus orientamericanus
Peck, 1982
Leptinus orientamericanus is a small in the , described by Peck in 1982. It is one of three North in the Leptinus, all of which are facultative of small mammals. This species is widespread east of the Mississippi River and has been documented on seven species, with highest on Blarina brevicauda (northern short-tailed shrew) and Scalopus aquaticus (eastern mole). Activity is concentrated during fall and winter months.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leptinus orientamericanus: //lɛpˈtiːnəs ˌɔː.riˌɛntəˈmɛrɪˌkeɪnəs//
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Habitat
Found in association with small mammal in terrestrial environments east of the Mississippi River. Specific microhabitat details are not documented.
Distribution
Eastern North America, ranging from the Atlantic coast westward to the Mississippi River. Documented from Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Seasonality
Active during fall and winter months; appears to be absent or less detectable during spring and summer.
Host Associations
- Blarina brevicauda - primary most frequently recorded
- Scalopus aquaticus - primary most frequently recorded
- five additional small mammal species - documented but less frequent
Behavior
Facultative of small mammals. are found on animals but can also survive independently.
Ecological Role
Facultative ; exact ecological role in - dynamics is not well characterized.
Similar Taxa
- Leptinus americanusRestricted to central United States west of the Mississippi River; and seasonality unknown.
- Leptinus occidentamericanusWestern North distribution from California to Alaska and Yukon; occurs on Sorex trowbridgii primarily during spring and fall.