Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1973

Thesis Director

Richard C. Funk

Abstract

Ectoparasites were taken from 50 white footed deer mice, Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis (Fisher), 50 prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster ochrogaster (Wagner), and 11 least shrews, Cryptotis parva harlani (Say), within a five mile radius of Charleston, Illinois from 23 January 1973 through 25 June 1973. A total number of 4,242 ectoparasites were recovered; 2,395 from Microtus ochrogaster, 542 from Peromyscus leucopus, and 1,305 from Cryptotis parva. The major groups of ectoparasites and their percent recovery were: Acari (excl. of Metastigmata) 81.50%, Metastigmata 2.95%, Anoplura 15.50% and Siphonaptera 0.50%. A study of the ectoparasites recovered revealed representatives of 18 families and 31 species of mites, 1 family and species of tick, 1 family and 2 species of lice, and 2 families and 3 species of fleas. The number of ectoparasites recovered from hosts captured alive and dead were compared, and showed a higher yield of most ectoparasite groups from hosts captured alive. The effects of host body size and behavior are correlated with ectoparasite yields. The groups of ectoparasites and their abundance are given by sex of the host, but no apparent differences between sexes were observed.

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