Pulicidae - undet. sp.
Family
Pulicidae
Undet. genus and sp. Size: 1.75 mm Group Guild Status Trogloxene Parasite Uncommon A variety of species of fleas are common in caves, typically near entrances, where they are associated with mammals that inhabit these areas. This species was observed only once as a couple of individuals that climbed onto both RBP and SW in the Crinoid Room. Only one individual was captured. We assume that it is a parasite on one or more of the mammals that occur in the entrance area of the cave. Potential hosts for this species that were observed in this part of the cave during the recent study include ringtail (Bassariscus astutus; observed as scats and a bird kill probably attributable to this species) and rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus). White-throated wood rats (Neotoma albigula) are also known to occur in the entrance area, and a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was observed leaving the Entrance Sink on several occasions in December of 2011 by Mary Kumiega/KCSP. Other rodents in the entrance area reported by Park staff include more than one species of mouse (Kumiega 2012). A dead kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.) was found in the Tarantula area in August of 2011. Any of these species are possible hosts for fleas. |
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