Beaver Parasite Beetle

Platypsyllus castoris

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Family: Leiodidae
Subfamily: Platypsyllinae
Genus: Platypsyllus
Species: castoris

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Platypsyllus castoris: /ˌplætɪˈsɪləs ˈkæstərɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

YOUNG LARVA OF PLATYPSYLLUS CASTORIS by C. V. Riley. Used under a Public domain license.

Platypsyllus castoris Castrologia 1892 by CV Riley (drawing). Used under a Public domain license.

LARVA OF PLATYPSYLLUS CASTORIS—DORSAL VIEW by C. V. Riley. Used under a Public domain license.

Platypsyllus castoris annales1883 by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.

Platypsyllus castoris1 by Stanislav Snäll. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Platypsyllus castoris2 by Stanislav Snäll. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Platypsyllus castoris is an ectoparasitic beetle exclusively found on beavers, recognized for its flattened, eyeless morphology reminiscent of fleas or ticks. It is a member of the Leiodidae family and is adapted to a parasitic lifestyle with modifications such as hooks on larvae for clinging to hosts.

Physical Characteristics

The beaver beetle is flattened, eyeless, and resembles a flea or tick. It has no wings and has antennal clubs with antennomeres numbered 3 to 11 that are shortened and partly enclosed in a scoop-shaped antennomere. The larvae possess hooks on the three thoracic segments to cling to their host.

Identification Tips

Look for its flattened body and eyeless appearance, which distinguishes it from other beetles. The size ranges from 1.9 to 2.2 mm.

Habitat

Found exclusively in habitats around beaver populations in the northern hemisphere.

Distribution

Holarctic, including most of North America and parts of northern Europe and Asia, specifically in regions where beavers are located.

Diet

Both adult beetles and larvae feed on epidermal tissue, skin secretions, and possibly liquids from wounds.

Life Cycle

Ectoparasitic with both adults and larvae living on their host, beavers.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a parasite on beavers, potentially influencing host population dynamics.

Evolution

Originally placed in a separate family (Leptinidae) but now classified under Leiodidae, in the subfamily Platypsyllinae.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

May be mistaken for fleas or ticks due to its body structure and parasitic behavior.