Intro / Fleas Flashcards
A sexually mature parasite is in the
Final / Definitive Host
A Paratenic/Carrier Host is where
There is NO development of the parasite
An organism that feeds on the Definitive Host is called a
Vector
An ectoparasite is one that
Lives outside of the host
Three features of Arthropods
- Hard exoskeleton
- Growth by moulting
- Enhanced locomotion (wings/legs)
Arthropods cannot grow without
Moulting / shedding
___ form the largest group of animals
Insects
Adult insects have ___ pair of legs
3
3 orders of relevant insects
- Phthiraptera (lice)
- Siphonaptera (fleas)
- Diptera (flies)
Siphonaptera aka Fleas (4)
-wingless insects
-laterally compressed
-3rd pair of legs are elongated (allows for springing)
-low host specificity but do have host preferences
Flea adults are___ while larvae are ___
-parasitic blood feeders
-free living detritus feeders
Holometabolous development means there is
Complete metamorphosis (allows adult and larvae to inhabit different environments)
Basic general life cycle of flea
Eggs —> Larvae —> Pupae —> Adults
Important parasite of dogs and cats is the
Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea)
Intermediate host of the cat flea is
Cucumber worm
Main effect of cat flea is
Flea allergy dermatitis
Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea) (4)
-indirect life cycle (most of life cycle is found OFF the host)
-can infect 40+ species (not just cats)
-resistant and dormant populations in pupae
-larvae require humidity
Life Cycle of Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) (6)
- Eggs laid on host and drop off when animal grooms (often into bedding)
- Three larval instars (stages) - feed on debris in animal bedding
- Can become a pupa in weeks depending on temp and humidity
- Silken cocoon (Pupa resistant to desiccation)
- Pre-adults can survive in pupal case for 6-12 months; emerge when they detect movement of host
- Flea jumps on host and feeds on blood
Which flea is rare in Brisbane but seen in temperate areas?
Ctenocephalides Canis (Dog Flea)
Echidnophaga gallinacea (Stickfast flea) (3)
-seen in poultry (but has many mammal hosts)
-remains on host for long periods
-females burrow into skin and lay eggs
Major agent of the plague was
Xenopsylla cheopis (Rat Flea)
Pulex irritans is the ___ flea but can also be found on (2)
-human flea
-backyard pigs, rodents
Flea Control (2)
-treatment of pet
-treatment of environment
