Collections of fleas (Siphonaptera) from Pacific marten, <i>Martes caurina</i> (Carnivora: Mustelidae), reveal unique host–parasite relationships on the Haida Gwaii archipelago

Authors

  • Terry Don Galloway Department of Entomology University of Manitoba

Keywords:

Siphonaptera, Pacific marten, Martes caurina, ectoparasites, host-parasite relationships

Abstract

Fleas and their host-parasite relationships are understudied in many parts of Canada, yet such relationships may contribute to our knowledge of ecosystems in ways we have yet to understand. A collection of 57 fleas from Pacific marten (Martes caurina (Merriam)) on Haida Gwaii led to the discovery of five species of fleas: the European rat flea, Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc), a squirrel flea, Ceratophyllus (Amonopsyllusciliatus protinus (Jordan), a mustelid flea, Chaetopsylla floridensis (I. Fox), Hystrichopsylla (Hystroceras) dippiei, likely spp. spinata Holland, a parasite of mustelids and mephitids, and a generalist bird flea, Dasypsyllus gallinulae perpinnatus (Baker). All five species are first records for Haida Gwaii, and C. floridensis is recorded from Canada for the first time. Two new host-parasite relationships support a previous dietary study of marten on Haida Gwaii. This is further evidence that fleas infesting predator may inform prey composition within its home range.

Author Biography

Terry Don Galloway, Department of Entomology University of Manitoba

Professor Emeritus

Department of Entomology

University of Manitoba

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Published

2021-04-22