Deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, and associated rodent fleas (Siphonaptera) in the arctic-alpine life zone of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

• Main Authors: Eads, R. B., Campos, E. G.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 1983
• Subjects: Arctic; Tundra
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol43/iss1/11; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/context/gbn/article/2587/viewcontent/27798.pdf

Peromyscus maniculatus and related small rodents have been examined for ectoparasites in the tundra region of the Rocky Mountain National Park 1974–1979. One hundred and ninety-four P. maniculatus were examined from two tundra sites. Flea infestation rates were 1.9 fleas per mouse examined and 4.1 fleas per infested mouse. Species taken in significant numbers were Monopsyllus thambus (51 percent), Peromyscopsylla hesperomys (34 percent), Malaraeus euphorbi (9 percent), and Catallagia calisheri (4 percent). Peromyscus maniculatus host/flea relationships in the tundra are compared with those in other life zones in the park.