Neosomy
Guides
Hectopsyllidae
Hectopsyllidae is a small family of fleas containing two genera: Tunga and Hectopsylla. These fleas are obligate ectoparasites of terrestrial mammals, with some species also parasitizing birds and bats. A distinctive feature of the family is neosomy in females, where they undergo extreme swelling and produce new cuticle while remaining permanently attached to the host. The family was formerly known as Tungidae and is closely related to the common fleas (Pulicidae).