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Ectoparasites of the Badger and the Badger Flea
Journal
Journal of Insect
Behavior, Volume 12, Number 2, March 1999, pp. 245-265(21) -
Kluwer Academic Publishers
Authors
Cox R.; Stewart P.D.;
Macdonald D.W. from the WildCRU, Department of Zoology, Oxford
Abstract
The badger-specific flea, Paraceras melis, jumps
repeatedly when separated from its host; thereafter fleas
settled into sheltered positions. After separation from badgers, some
42% of fleas (n = 63) voided their gut contents; this was associated
with a significant increase in mean jumping distance. The maximum
longevity of fleas away from the host was 89 days, with 50% mortality at
around 35 days. Badger lice, Trichodectes melis, survived for up to 3
days postcapture. We conclude that the badger's habit of frequently
swapping dens with a mean period of return of 6 days is unlikely to
bring about significant mortality of adult fleas but may effectively
eradicate lice. Fleas abandoned in “bedding” in a simulated badger sett
were mobile, being drawn toward light and moving upward. This response
would draw the fleas to the den entrance, which may be a suitable site
to intercept returning badgers. The fleas responded to stimuli which
might signal the proximity of the host: they jumped toward sources of
carbon dioxide and of carbon dioxide in air current directed at the
flea. The strongest response was seen when a mixture of stimuli
consisting of carbon dioxide, a dark circle of card, and movement were
tested; the majority of fleas jumped toward the mixed stimulus. Finally,
fleas separated from the host responded to exhaled air by running and
jumping; this is in marked contrast to their response to those stimuli
when on the host, when fleas run downward and very rarely jump. These
contrasting observations find adaptive explanation in the two contexts.
Keywords
flea; Paraceras melis; behavior; ectoparasite;
host-finding; badger; Meles meles
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