The fleas (Siphonaptera) of South Carolina with an assessment of their vectorial importance

We document 25 species of fleas from South Carolina including new state rec ords for two species, the ctenophthalmids Epitedia cavernicola and Rhadinop sylla orama. Host and other collection data, by county, are provided, inclu ding many new records amassed from 1992-1998 and some older records gleaned from the Clemson University Arthropod Collection. One flea species, the rh opalopsyllid Polygenis gwyni, is especially common and widespread in South Carolina, particularly on the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) in coastal pla in habitats. The largest number of flea species (8) from a single host spec ies was recorded from the cotton mouse, Peromyscus gossypinus. Several flea species of potential medical or veterinary importance were recorded, some of which are potential vectors of pathogens, such as the agents of murine t yphus, murine typhus-like disease, sylvatic epidemic typhus, cat scratch di sease, and rodent bartonellosis. A host-flea list for South Carolina is inc luded.