In searching for an invertebrate host for Hepatozoon sp. infecting the montane vole (Microtus montanus), we collected fleas, ticks, and mites from live-trapped voles and searched squash preparations for Hepatozoon oocysts. From 1989 through 1996, we identified six species of fleas in Grand Teton National Park: Megabothris abantis, Megabothris asio megacolpus, Aetheca wagneri, Peromyscopsylla selenis, Peromyscopsylla. hesperomys, and Hystrichopsylla dippiei dippiei. We found Hepatozoon oocysts only in M. abantis; we found no oocysts in mites or ticks. We conclude that M. abantis is an invertebrate host of Hepatozoon sp. and is likely to be the definitive host for the Hepatozoon spp. of M. montanus.
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1 April 2006
The Flea, Megabothris abantis: An Invertebrate Host of Hepatozoon sp. and a Likely Definitive Host in Hepatozoon Infections of the Montane Vole, Microtus montanus
Raychel A. Watkins,
Suzanne E. Moshier,
Aelita J. Pinter
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 42 • No. 2
April 2006
Vol. 42 • No. 2
April 2006
definitive host
flea
Hepatozoon
invertebrate host
Megabothris abantis
Microtus montanus
oocyst