New records for fleas (Siphonaptera) from New Mexico with notes on plague-carrying species

Richard A. Fagerlund; Paulette L. Ford; Paul J. Polechla

doi:10.2307/3672379

Treesearch

New records for fleas (Siphonaptera) from New Mexico with notes on plague-carrying species

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Richard A. Fagerlund, Paulette L. Ford, Paul J. Polechla

Year:

2001

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2307/3672379

Source:

The Southwestern Naturalist. 46(1): 94-96.

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Abstract

We report range extensions for 16 flea species collected from 11 rodent species in 7 counties across northeastern and central New Mexico. Including the new records, 107 species of flea have now been documented from New Mexico (Appendix 1). Records from the New Mexico Environment Department Vector Control Program (NMED) indicate 33 of these flea species have tested positive as vectors of sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis = Pasturella) in New Mexico (Appendix 1). Of the species that tested plague positive, 5 (Aetheca wagneri, Malaraeus sinomus, opisodasys (Oxypsylla) keeni, Orapsylla (Opisocrostis) lams, Peochaetis exilis) have newly documented range extensions into Colfax, Union, and Rio Arriba counties.

Keywords

fleas, Siphonaptera, sylvatic plague, Yersinia pestis

Citation

Fagerlund, Richard A.; Ford, Paulette L.; Polechla, Paul J., Jr. 2001. New records for fleas (Siphonaptera) from New Mexico with notes on plague-carrying species. The Southwestern Naturalist. 46(1): 94-96.