Fleas (Siphonaptera) of small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to identify the composition of fleas, and infection rates in small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia; and to summarize information on fleas in the studied area. Materials and methods. In 2008, 2010, and 2016–2021, records of small mammals and their ectoparasites (fleas) were made in the northern taiga of Western Siberia. Parasitological survey was performed for 1363 specimens of insectivores and rodents of 13 species that were recorded using trap trenches, drift fences and trap-lines. A total of 1524 fleas of 18 species were recorded. Indices widely accepted in parasitology were used to assess quantitative indicators of fleas. Results and discussion. Based on the results of our own research and literature sources, small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia were found to have specimens of 28 flea species. The flea fauna of the study area was represented by shrew fleas (Corrodopsylla birulai, Palaeopsylla sorecis), bird fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae, C. garei), and specific species (Ceratophyllus anisus, C. indages, C. sciurorum, Megabothris walkeri, Leptopsylla segnis). Peromyscopsylla silvatica, Corrodopsylla birulai, Megabothris rectangulatus, Amalaraeus penicilliger, and Amphipsylla sibirica comprise the backbone of the flea fauna of small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia.

Keywords

• fleas
• infection rates
• small mammals
• northern taiga
• western siberia