Habitat Dependence of a Parasite-Host Relationship: Flea (Siphonaptera) Assemblages in Two Gerbil Species of the Negev Desert

摘要: Flea assemblages of Meriones crassus Sundevall and Gerbillus dasyurus Wagner in different habitats the Negev Highlands Israel were studied to determine how flea abundance species composition on same host change among habitats, environmental parameters determining specific assemblage. Fleas parasitizing hosts responded differently set variables. Spatial distribution fleas M. was determined by significantly stronger than those G. dasyurus. both changed habitats. Indirect ordination produced axes that presented spatial components (for — Xenopsylla conformis Rothschild versus ramesis Rothschild; for dipodilli Smit X. ). Discriminant analyses assemblage demonstrated segregated along 2 discriminant refelected a soil structure productivity gradient contrast between dry riverbeds watershed plains. Ordination axes, presenting complex level primary production.