Host–habitat relations as an important determinant of spatial distribution of flea assemblages (Siphonaptera) on rodents in the Negev Desert

摘要: We studied flea assemblages on rodents in different habitats of the Ramon erosion cirque Negev Desert to examine whether host-habitat relations influence spatial distribution. Eleven species parasitizing 12 rodent were recorded. There was significant positive relationship between richness and body mass host species; no relationships found relative assemblage either number occupied by or size geographical range. The differences pattern parasitism among habitat types within determined both environmental features a specific use rodents. replacement Xenopsylla conformis ramesis Meriones crassus Gerbillus dasyurus habitats. results ordination collections from each individual demonstrated that segregated mainly along 4 axes, which explained 86 % total variance. Each axes corresponded with change composition. directions these changes (1) among-hosts (2) among-habitats host.