Ceratophyllus gallinae

Also known as: European chicken flea

Ceratophyllus gallinae
Class	Insecta
Order	Siphonaptera
Family	Ceratophyllidae

Hosts

Poultry, dogs, cats and humans.

Identification

C. gallinae are around 2mm, and of the family Ceratophyllidae. They have pronotal combs, but no genal combs. See general flea structure.

Life Cycle

This flea spends most of its time amongst the material comprising the host's nest, and spend short periods of time on the host, only whilst feeding.

The larvae feed on detritus, which is found on the host nest. The larvae take several weeks to develop, going through 3 transformations. They then enter the pupae stage, developing in a silk cocoon.

The emergence from pupae is mainly triggered by rising temperatures.

See general flea life cycle.

Ceratophyllus gallinae Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Flea Flashcards
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Ceratophyllus gallinae publications

References

Taylor, M.A, Coop, R.L., Wall,R.L. (2007) Veterinary Parasitology Blackwell Publishing

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