The host-finding behaviour of the hen flea, Ceratophyllus gallinae (Schrank) (Siphonaptera)

Abstract

Field and laboratory observations on the nature and sequence of the host-finding responses of the hen flea Ceratophyllus gallinae are described. The imago over-winters within the cocoon. Tactile stimuli and a rise in temperature initiate emergence. Emigration from the nest is delayed for a few days by a negatively phototactic response, and begins when this becomes positive. The fleas are negatively geotactic and disperse upwards into the vegetation. Eventually they take up a characteristic posture, oriented towards the light. Jumping is elicited when the light intensity is suddenly reduced, and it is suggested that this enables the fleas to reach their avian host. Those fleas whose jump misses the host fall and form a secondary distribution on the ground. The readiness to jump rises during the first few days after cocoon emergence, then falls again, the rate of fall apparently being partly determined by water loss.The author is much indebted to the Hon. Miriam Rothschild and Drs E. T. Burtt and M. J. Cotton for valuable advice, and to C. R. Brannigan for a critical discussion of the manuscript. The main part of the research was carried out during tenure of a post-graduate studentship provided by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Effect of an ectoparasite on lay date, nest-site choice, desertion, and hatching success in the great tit (Pants major)

“…Hundreds to thousands of flea larvae are present when the fledglings leave the nest. Only few adult fleas leave the nest with the fledglings (Humphries, 1968). The [/= 104 .003 4 6 .5 (20,22) Brood size at hatching excludes nests that were abandoned between laying and hatching.…”

“…flea larvae in the nest develop into adults after chicks fledge, but then stay in a dormant stage insides cocoons, mostly attached to the nesting material. As described by Humphries (1968), mechanical stimulation of the old nest, as naturally provided by a nesting bird, causes the fleas to emerge from the cocoon. Similarly, a change in temperature causes emergence.…”

“…Similarly, a change in temperature causes emergence. In spring, the emerged fleas wait around the entrance hole for visiting birds, often forming a black ring, but also emigrate by crawling out of die nest-box and up the tree trunk (Humphries, 1968). If the nest-box is not occupied, fewer and fewer fleas will therefore be left in time in the box, and finally the flea load will be so small that the site becomes acceptable for a bird intending to breed.…”

“…The hen flea is a highly common ectoparasite of great tils and of other hole-nesting birds (Harper et al, 1992). Hundreds of fleas survive in the nest inside their cocoon to the next breeding season and emerge early in spring (Bates, 1962;Humphries, 1968). Hen fleas have detrimental effects on the reproductive success of their hosts (Richner et al, 1993), and from this it can be expected that the birds take this ectoparasite into account when deciding when and where they will start to breed.…”

Effect of Old Nest Material on Nest Site Selection and Breeding Parameters in Secondary Hole Nesters — a Review

“…This is related to the life histories of ectoparasites and their host finding behaviour. Fleas overwinter most often as cocoons in old nest material, emerge in early spring, and very frequently wait for a bird host at the hole entrance (Humphries 1968, du Feu 1982. Mites may occur in old nest material also (Rendell & Verbeek 1996a), although clear data on their abundance in nest sites with/without old nest material are rare (Table 4).…”