Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Flea ID -> Pulex irritans
Posted by Carnifex on 22-04-2019 20:52
#1
As Siphonaptera are 'almost' flies, maybe someone has also some knowledge in that group. Found in a park in Vienna. 2mm long
Cheers, Lorin
Edited by Carnifex on 20-11-2022 21:21
Posted by Tony Irwin on 23-04-2019 08:39
#2
I'd call this
Pulex irritans
Posted by Carnifex on 29-04-2019 12:58
#3
good call, Tony! |t
Posted by TomiTrilar on 29-04-2019 13:17
#4
Female, could be
Xenopsylla cheopis.
Receptaculum seminis is not visible, so the determination is not accurate.
I has one
antepigidial bristle, which is not present in
Pulex irritans.
Best wishes, Tomi
Edited by TomiTrilar on 29-04-2019 13:19
Posted by Tony Irwin on 29-04-2019 14:59
#5
Thanks for your input Tomi. It's good to question identifications - keeps us all on our toes! However, comparing Figures 40 and 48 in Whitaker's RES Handbook, it seems to me that on head chaetotaxy alone, Lorin's specimen cannot be
Xenopsylla. The apparent antesensilial (antepygidial) seta is at a rather strange angle, and I wonder whether it is a displaced seta from elsewhere on the specimen? So I'll stick with
Pulex for now. :)
Posted by Carnifex on 30-04-2019 13:32
#6
A parasitologist, whom I sent this photo, also had it determined as
P.i. He was not sure about the sex though