Some Requirements for Mating in the Rabbit Flea, Spilopsyllus Cuniculi (Dale)

Abstract

1. Rabbit fleas Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) do not mate while on adult rabbits; copulation is usually initiated when the fleas are on the body of a new-born rabbit and at least the close proximity of such a nestling is essential. The female probably becomes receptive only after close contact, but not necessarily probing contact, with a young nestling. 2. Fleas with mature ovaries mate much more readily than immature fleas. 3. Male fleas must be in a suitable ‘physiological state’ before they can mate and inseminate females. This state is reached by probing contact with rabbits in the final stages of pregnancy or, for a relatively shorter period, with new-born rabbits. Spermatozoa of such fleas show much greater mobility within the genital ducts than those from fleas kept on male or non-pregnant rabbits.