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

inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/35214562/original.jpeg

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! TumbsUp

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. Smile

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