[The longevity of Leptopsylla segnis fleas (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae)].
In experiments, the mean life duration of fleas Leptopsylla segnis on white mice (abundance of fleas within natural limits, up to 10 fleas per mouse) was 22.7 days in females and 18.8 day in males. Maximum life duration was 51 and 37 days respectively. In cases, when the initial numbers of fleas were 20 and 28-34 fleas, the duration of life was decreased. The maximum limit decreased greater than the mean duration of life. A survival dynamics of fleas depended upon the flea number. It was found out, that in cases of high abundance of fleas in the beginning of experiments, the mortality rate of males was lower than in females. During the stay on a host the fleas lost gradually an ability to endure a starvation. Possible mechanisms of the regulation of flea abundance are discussed.
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D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice / Q000469:parasitology; D011156:Population Density; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors