Mammal-parasite
Guides
Cuterebra atrox
Cuterebra atrox is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a parasitic fly whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species was described by Clark in 1848. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and do not feed, lacking functional mouthparts.
Cuterebra bajensis
Cuterebra bajensis is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae, described by Sabrosky in 1986. The species belongs to a genus of obligate mammalian parasites whose larvae develop subcutaneously in rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and do not feed.
Cuterebra cochisei
Cuterebra cochisei is a species of New World skin bot fly described by Sabrosky in 1986. As a member of the genus Cuterebra, it is an obligate parasite of mammals with larvae that develop subcutaneously in host tissue. The species is one of 34 recognized North American Cuterebra species. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Cuterebra fontinella grisea
Cuterebra fontinella grisea is a subspecies of New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, particularly white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The larvae develop subcutaneously in the host, forming large warbles that can reach 5% of the host's body weight. Despite the conspicuous nature of these parasitic infections, studies indicate that infected mice may actually live longer than non-infected individuals, suggesting a relatively benign host-parasite relationship attributed to long evolutionary co-adaptation. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and are rarely encountered in the field.
Cuterebra neomexicana
Cuterebra neomexicana is a species of New World skin bot fly described by Sabrosky in 1986. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a mammalian parasite with larvae that develop subcutaneously in hosts. The species is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology, host associations, and distribution beyond the original description.
Cuterebra tenebriformis
Hectopsylla
A genus of stick-tight fleas in the family Tungidae, comprising thirteen species that parasitize non-volant mammals, birds, and bats. The genus was established by Von Frauenfeld in 1860, with H. psittaci as the type species. Several species were described by Karl Jordan between 1906 and 1942. The genus exhibits specialized host attachment behaviors, with females of some species becoming permanently embedded in host skin.
Leptinus orientamericanus
Leptinus orientamericanus is a small beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Peck in 1982. It is one of three North American species in the genus Leptinus, all of which are facultative ectoparasites of small mammals. This species is widespread east of the Mississippi River and has been documented on seven host species, with highest prevalence on Blarina brevicauda (northern short-tailed shrew) and Scalopus aquaticus (eastern mole). Activity is concentrated during fall and winter months.
Leptopsyllidae
Leptopsyllidae is a family of fleas in the order Siphonaptera, containing at least 30 genera and 250 described species. The family includes ectoparasitic species associated with various mammalian hosts, with some genera showing strong host preferences. Members of this family are distributed across multiple geographic regions, with specific species documented from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Lipopteninae
Lipopteninae is a subfamily of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising three genera: Lipoptena, Melophagus, and Neolipoptena. All members are obligate ectoparasites of mammals. The subfamily was established by Speiser in 1908. Species in this group exhibit morphological adaptations for clinging to host fur or hair, including dorsoventrally flattened bodies and strong claws. Notable species include the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) and the sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus), both of which are economically significant parasites.
Trichodectes
Trichodectes is a genus of chewing lice in the family Trichodectidae, described by Nitzsch in 1818. Species are ectoparasites of small to medium-sized mammals, primarily carnivores including mustelids, canids, and felids. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution across multiple continents. Individual species show varying degrees of host specificity, with some documented on multiple host families.