Sn. Bursten et al., RANGING OF MALE OROPSYLLA-MONTANA FLEAS VIA MALE CALIFORNIA GROUND-SQUIRREL (SPERMOPHILUS-BEECHEYI) JUVENILES, The Journal of parasitology, 83(5), 1997, pp. 804-809
We asked if fleas more frequently remain on those California ground sq
uirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) that are likely to emigrate from their
natal nest. In Camp Ohlone, Alameda County, California, juvenile male
squirrels were infested with more fleas (Oropsylla montana) than were
juvenile females, and juveniles of both sexes were infested with more
fleas (O. montana and Hoplopsyllus anomalus) than adults. There was n
o difference between the adult sexes in the number of fleas. Thr dispr
oportionate infestation of male juveniles was accounted For almost exc
lusively by male O. montana. Greater activity on the part of juvenile
males did not account for this difference: the activity of male and fe
male juveniles was very similar. As yearlings, male squirrels establis
hed home ranges at greater distances from the natal burrow than did fe
males. Remaining on ranging male squirrels might help male fleas find
nonsibling mates in new nests, whereas female fleas might tend to stay
in-the natal nest in order to assure their progeny of its resources.
Flea behavior. modified by characteristics of the host that are sex-sp
ecific and predictive of future traits, such as the tendency to range,
may thus determine the nature and extent of infestations in juvenile
squirrels.