Ectoparasites from Swallow Nests, with the Description of a New Ceratophyllid Flea

Abstract

The numerous limestone caves of Central Texas provide retreats for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats, Tadarida mexicana, and lesser numbers of several other species. These caves have been rather extensively investigated by personnel of this Department during studies designed to evaluate the importance of these insectivorous mammals as reservoirs and transmitting agents of rabies virus. One of the largest and most interesting Texas bat harborage is Frio Cave located in Uvalde County. The first chamber, a room of considerable size, has several entrances including two openings in the roof which admit sufficient daylight to create an environment suitable for swallow nesting. The bats hang farther back in the darkened areas of the cave. On March 30, 1955, several of the old swallow nests located in recesses along the walls and ceilings were examined for ectoparasites in association with my colleagues George C. Menzies and John S. Wiseman. The nests were composed of mud and lined with such materials as grass, wool and feathers. A good series of Ceratophyllus fleas (50), numerous Haenolaelaps mites and several Ornithodoros ticks were taken. Specimens of the birds were netted and the species involved was determined to be Petrochelidon fulva pallida, or Coahuila cliff swallow. The ticks were indentified by Glen M. Kohls, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Montana, as 0. concanensis and R. W. Strandtmann, Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Texas, gave us the opinion that the mites are H. megaventralis. Additional nests were examined in May, 1955 at which time the eggs had been laid and a few young birds were hatched. A good series of the Ceratophyllus flea was again taken. H. me#gaventralis mites were swarming all over the nests and 0. concanensis ticks were common. The same Ceratophyllus flea was also found in abundance in nests of the Coahuila cliff swallow in caves in Kerr County during June, 1955. A large number was taken from caves on the Wison and Johnson Ranches in this County. This represents the second species of Ceratophyllus to be taken in Texas. J. S. Wiseman collected a good series of C. celsus from Petrochelidon albifrons nests at Camp Bullis, Bexar County, Texas, June 14, 1955. The discovery of these two bird fleas raises the total number of known species of these ectoparasites in Texas to forty-six species and thirty-two genera (Eads, 1950). We were not able specifically to place the flea, either from the literature or our collection and specimens were sent to George P. Holland, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Canada, a specialist on the Ceratophyllus. Mr. Holland agreed that the species was new and has been helpful with taxonomnic assistance. A description, with figures, is presented in this paper.