What kind of fleas are found in the forest? - briefly
Forests host several flea taxa, chiefly species of the genera Ceratophyllus and Ctenophthalmus, such as the squirrel flea (Ceratophyllus sciurorum) and the wood‑mouse flea. Other common representatives include Hystrichopsyllus sicariensis, which thrives in leaf‑litter environments.
What kind of fleas are found in the forest? - in detail
Forests host a diverse assemblage of flea species adapted to the specific vertebrate fauna and microclimatic conditions found under the canopy. These ectoparasites belong primarily to the families Ceratophyllidae, Pulicidae, and Hystrichopsyllidae, each containing genera that specialize on rodents, lagomorphs, marsupials, and other mammals.
The most frequently encountered taxa include:
- Ctenophthalmus spp. – parasites of ground‑dwelling rodents such as voles and mice; larvae develop in leaf litter where humidity remains above 70 %.
- Orchopeas spp. – associated with squirrels and chipmunks; adults are active on host fur during the warm months, while pupae overwinter in soil cavities.
- Pulex irritans – a generalist flea that infests a range of mammals, including deer and carnivores; it tolerates a broader temperature range and can complete its life cycle in both litter and hollow tree hollows.
- Echidnophaga gallinacea – occasionally recorded on forest birds; eggs are laid on the host’s skin, and larvae drop to the forest floor to pupate.
- Doratopsylla spp. – specialize on small marsupials in temperate rainforests; their development is synchronized with the rainy season, when leaf litter moisture peaks.
Key ecological factors shaping flea populations in woodland habitats are:
- Host availability – species richness of mammals directly influences flea diversity; dense understory vegetation supports higher rodent densities, thereby sustaining larger flea communities.
- Microhabitat humidity – larval stages require moist substrates; leaf litter, moss mats, and decaying logs retain sufficient moisture for successful development.
- Temperature stability – forest canopy buffers extreme temperature fluctuations, allowing continuous development cycles for many species, while some, such as Pulex irritans, exploit seasonal temperature shifts to expand their host range.
- Seasonality – in temperate forests, adult flea emergence coincides with spring and early summer, when host activity increases; pupae often enter diapause during colder months, resuming development when conditions improve.
Understanding these species and their environmental dependencies is essential for assessing disease transmission risk, biodiversity indicators, and the impact of forest management practices on ectoparasite dynamics.