Sensory Reactions of Siphonaptera in Relation to Host-Finding

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Abstract
Fleas of 4 species were used in experiments on reactions to various stimuli that might be associated with host-finding. Ctenocephalides felis showed definite ability to detect and react to carbon dioxide level and warm objects, with the possibility that host odor may also be important. Ceratophyllus riparius and C. idius responded to air movement, although the former, at least, appears to respond to vibrations of the substrate under field conditions. Oropsylla arctomys showed no clear-cut responses in olfactometer tests and in tests with warm objects and air currents. In every species, nearly half of the tested individuals failed to respond in any given experimental situation.

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