Orchopeas

Jordan, 1933

Species Guides

1

Orchopeas is a of fleas in the Ceratophyllidae, established by Jordan in 1933. in this genus are primarily associated with rodents and other small mammals. Orchopeas sexdentatus has been identified as a representative in the United States, capable of transmitting Yersinia pestis. The genus has been studied for its potential to expand its geographic range under climate change scenarios.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Orchopeas: /ˈɔrkoʊˌpiːəs/

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Distribution

Native range includes North America, with documented occurrences in the United States (west coast, Midwest, and Southeastern regions), northern Mexico, and southern Argentina. Suitable areas have been identified in parts of Europe including Spain, Portugal, and France. Climate change modeling predicts potential future suitable areas in China.

Host Associations

  • Sciuridae - typical Primary for such as Orchopeas howardi
  • Aix sponsa - accidental Documented for O. howardi on wood ducklings at an Illinois wildlife rehabilitation center

Ecological Role

Some serve as . Orchopeas sexdentatus is recognized as a representative plague vector in the United States, transmitting Yersinia pestis through formation of bacterial emboli.

Human Relevance

Orchopeas sexdentatus poses public health significance as a . The can attach to , clothing, and textiles, creating invasion risk via vehicles and ships. Climate change may expand its potential distribution into new regions including China, where moderate invasion risk has been assessed.

Similar Taxa

  • PeromyscopsyllaBoth contain fleas in the United States and have been studied together for distribution modeling and risk assessment; they share similar ecological roles but differ in associations

More Details

Climate Sensitivity

Temperature significantly affects distribution potential for Orchopeas sexdentatus. Key environmental predictors include minimum temperature of January (18.4% contribution), isothermality (29.7% contribution), and mean range (24.1% contribution).

Invasion Risk

A multi-indicator risk assessment system calculated moderate invasion risk for O. sexdentatus entering China, based on climate suitability modeling and potential transport .

Sources and further reading