Hectopsyllidae
Genus Guides
1Hectopsyllidae is a small of fleas containing two : Tunga and Hectopsylla. These fleas are obligate of terrestrial mammals, with some also parasitizing birds and bats. A distinctive feature of the family is neosomy in females, where they undergo extreme swelling and produce new while remaining permanently attached to the . The family was formerly known as and is closely related to the common fleas (Pulicidae).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hectopsyllidae: //ˌhɛktoʊsɪˈlaɪdiː//
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Identification
Hectopsyllidae can be distinguished from the closely related Pulicidae by several morphological features: antennal club with punctiform ; reduced and medial setae on the abdominal of females; left and right sensilla separated midways with eight sensory pits; lobe-shaped arm of the ninth sternite; and well-sclerotized, crisply outlined lateral lamina of the aedeagal apodeme. Females exhibit neosomy, swelling dramatically and becoming immobile while attached to the .
Images
Diet
Blood-feeding ; females feed on blood while permanently attached to the same location.
Host Associations
- terrestrial mammals - primary usual for most
- birds - few ; Hectopsylla narium found in nostrils of burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus patagonus)
- bats - few
Behavior
Females are largely immobile and remain attached to the same place on the for prolonged periods, possibly until death. Females undergo neosomy, swelling greatly while producing new to form neosomes.
Human Relevance
Tunga penetrans (chigoe or jigger) is a significant human in tropical regions, burrowing into skin and causing tungiasis.
Similar Taxa
- PulicidaeClosest living relatives; distinguished by antennal structure, female abdominal setae reduction, sensilla arrangement, ninth sternite shape, and aedeagal apodeme
More Details
Taxonomic history
Formerly known as ; treated as Hectopsyllinae (formerly Tunginae) by authorities that demote Pulicoidea to rank.
Phylogenetic note
Reduced setae on the antennal may be an with limited phylogenetic information rather than a reliable diagnostic character.