The Taxonomy and Biology of Epitedia wenmanni (Rothschild, 1904) and E. testor (Rothschild, 1915) (Hystrichopsyllidae: Siphonaptera)

Abstract

Study of 544 specimens supports the conclusion of G. H. E. Hopkins that Epitedia testor should be considered a sub-species of E. wenmanni. Each sub-species is apparently transcontinental in distribution, with the range of E. wenmanni extending from n. Canada to n. U. S., and southward in the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains to Tennessee and New Mexico. The range of E. testor extends from s. New England and s.e. New York to Alabama, New Mexico, Arizona, and n. to Washington. Large gaps in the distribution of available specimens, and minor morphological variations, suggest that further study may indicate the existence of additional sub-species. Notes on morphology, host distribution and seasonal distribution are included.