Xenopsylla bantorum is an east African subspecies of X. cheopis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).
The geographic distribution, host association, and male genital morphology of Xenopsylla bantorum Jordan were examined and compared with the Nilotic and Oriental "strains" of Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild). The more acute shape of the ninth sternite separates X. bantorum from all types of X. cheopis; however, the length of the first process of the male's clasper and the number of setae on this process are significantly different among all three groups; the Nilotic strain of X. cheopis is intermediate to the others. Specimens collected from both wild and commensal rodents in Nakuru, Kenya, were all X. bantorum, suggesting that X. cheopis present early in the century that resulted from introductions on Rattus rattus had been absorbed by the native X. bantorum population. These factors and a review of opinions by others concerning the status of X. bantorum demonstrate that this flea is not specifically distinct from X. cheopis. The trinomial X. cheopis bantorum is erected. Furthermore, the Nilotic and Oriental "strains" of X. cheopis are distinguishable morphologically solely by the length of the male's first process.
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Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840.
D000351:Africa, Eastern; D000818:Animals; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007313:Insecta / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity