Population Dynamics and Coevolution of Adult Siphonapteran Parasites of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans volans)

Abstract

One possible outcome of the competitive interaction of 2 or more species for a limited resource is the development of 1 or more strategies which allow all species involved to use the resource that is limiting. This study suggests that 4 spp. of fleas which inhabit the nest of the southern flying squirrel (G. v. volans) have coevolved life history strategies which allow them to cycle asynchronously. By being in the adult stage during different months of the year the 4 flea species [Conorhinopsylla stanfordi Stewart, Epitedia faceta (Rothschild), Opisodasys pseudarctomys (Baker) and Orchopeas howardi howardi (Baker)] apparently do not place undue parasitic pressure on the host squirrels.