Bionomics of the Squirrel Flea, Orchopeas Howardi (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), in Laboratory and Field Colonies of the Southern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys Volans, Using Radiolabeling Techniques1

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Abstract
Radioecological techniques were developed to study population dynamics of the squirrel flea, Orchopeas howardi, a possible vector of sylvan epidemic typhus. in laboratory and field colonies of Southern Flying Squirrels. Flea population sizes in laboratory colonies were estimated using mark-and-recapture methodology and the Lincoln Index. Population size was not altered by temperature differences of 8° or 16°C. although flea distribution was affected. Squirrel aggregation size significantly affected flea populations, with larger numbers of squirrels supporting larger numbers of fleas. Dispersal of radiolabeled fleas was rapid and multidirectional in laboratory and field squirrel colonies. Application of the radioecological techniques developed in this study to future definitive studies of flea abundance and distribution is discussed.

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