QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s):
Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents

This Article Full Text (PDF) A correction has been published Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by MEAD-BRIGGS, A. R. Articles by VAUGHAN, J. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by MEAD-BRIGGS, A. R. Articles by VAUGHAN, J. A.

Journal of Experimental Biology 51,495-511 (1969)
Published by Company of Biologists 1969

Some Requirements for Mating in the Rabbit Flea, Spilopsyllus Cuniculi (Dale)

A. R. MEAD-BRIGGS ¹ and J. A. VAUGHAN ¹

¹ Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Infestation Control Laboratory, Tangley Place, Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey

1. Rabbit fleas Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) do not mate while on adult rabbits; copulation is usually initiated when the fleas are on the body of a new-born rabbit and at least the close proximity of such a nestling is essential. The female probably becomes receptive only after close contact, but not necessarily probing contact, with a young nestling.

2. Fleas with mature ovaries mate much more readily than immature fleas.

3. Male fleas must be in a suitable ‘physiological state’ before they can mate and inseminate females. This state is reached by probing contact with rabbits in the final stages of pregnancy or, for a relatively shorter period, with new-born rabbits. Spermatozoa of such fleas show much greater mobility within the genital ducts than those from fleas kept on male or non-pregnant rabbits.