Xenopsylla

Xenopsylla is a genus of fleas in the family Pulicidae, order Siphonaptera. Members of this genus are ectoparasites of mammals, especially rodents, and occur in many regions with wild or commensal rodent populations. The most well-known species is Xenopsylla cheopis, commonly called the oriental rat flea, which has played a major role in the transmission of human diseases.

Description and biology: Xenopsylla fleas are small, wingless insects with laterally flattened bodies and well-developed hind legs for jumping. They possess specialized mouthparts for blood feeding and undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are typically laid in rodent nests or bedding; larvae feed on organic debris and flea feces, and pupae develop within cocoons that may remain dormant until conditions favor emergence of adults. Under suitable temperature and humidity, development from egg to adult can occur in a few weeks.

Ecology and behavior: Adults spend substantial time on their host animals, feeding on blood at regular intervals. They can disperse between hosts, especially when host density is high or new hosts become available. Because Xenopsylla species prefer rodents, human exposure to infested rodents or their nests can lead to human flea bites and potential pathogen transmission.

Medical and public health significance: Xenopsylla cheopis is a principal vector of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, and is also associated with transmission of other pathogens such as Rickettsia typhi in some regions. Control of Xenopsylla populations relies on integrated pest management, including rodent control, environmental sanitation, and targeted insecticide treatments to break the cycle of infestation and disease transmission.