Further Experiments upon the Longevity of Xenopsylla cheopis Roths. (Siphonaptera)

Abstract

1. Experiments upon Xenopsylla cheopis Roths. are described which were carried out to discover if feeding influenced duration of life or had any effect upon the survival of the sexes or upon the relationship between duration of life and saturation deficiency of the atmosphere.2. Fleas fed once before starvation lived longer than unfed fleas. There was no difference between survival of the sexes and no direct proportion between survival times and saturation deficiency.3. Fleas kept with the host for 7 days before starvation lived still longer. Females lived considerably longer than males, but there was still no direct proportion between survival times and saturation deficiency.