EGG-PRODUCTION AND EMERGENCE OF ADULT CAT FLEAS (SIPHONAPTERA, PULICIDAE) EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT PHOTOPERIODS

Laboratory cats were infested with a known number of cat fleas, Ctenoc ephalides felis (Bouche), to determine the effects of photoperiod on f lea egg production. Photoperiods of 8:16, 12:12, and 16:8 (L:D) h were chosen to represent winter, spring/fall, and summer, respectively. Th ere were no significant differences in daily or total flea egg product ion among the 3 photoperiods. To determine the effects of photoperiod on development of immature stages and subsequent adult emergence from cocoons, eggs collected during each photoperiod experiment were reared under the 3 described light and dark conditions. Resulting difference s suggest that photoperiod may influence the emergence behavior of adu lts from cocoons.