Abstract

From nine species of small mammals collected during the 12 month study period, nine species of fleas were recovered. Of the fleas, Ctenophthamus congeneroides congeneroides were obtained from seven host species, were recovered every month but January, comprised greater than 60% of the freas recovered each month except Noverber, December and January, accounted for more than 60% of all fleas and were collected from 15 of 17 localities visited. During November, December and January more than 50% of all fleas recovered were Stenoponia sidimi. Too, the greatest variety of flea species were recovered during November and December. Among the hosts, all nine flea species were recovered from Apodemus agrarius, six species were obtained from Microtus fortis and four from both Eothenomys regulus and Crocidura laciura. The highest rates of infested individuals, highest to lowest E. regulus, M.fortis, C.lasiura and A. agrarius. The highest general and specific indices were found in M.agrarius occurred in April and May and the highest monthly specific indices were noted for January, April and May. Ctenophthalmus congeneroides was the most abundant flea, had the widest host range, seasonal occurrence and the widest habitat distribution of the flea collected during this study. These fleas exhibited a decline in abundance in midwinter and an increase in numbers in the early spring. Among the small mammals, Apodemus agrairus yielded the greatest number of fleas species and was most heavily infested with during April and May.