Question

Both Siphonaptera and Phthiraptera are parasitic species. In what ways are these two orders similar and in what ways are they different? What are some of their adaptations to the parasitic mode of life? (5 points)

*please include link to any thing cited in your answer so I may reference any resources for more information

Answer 1

Siphonaptera

Lice and flees are both wingless insects..

Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera, these are true parasites that live on the blood of mammals and birds. The fleas move about like a grasshopper. They have laterally compressed body that helps its movement fast through the hairs of the host. They have very long legs, especially the hind pair is well adapted for jumping fast like a grass hopper. It is believed that a flea will jump 130 times its own height. Fleas are commonly associated with pets. The fleas are known to live in very specific places on the animal body like under the armpits and behind the ears where it is warm.The fleas have a flat shape and normally dark, reddish brown colours.

Fleas are known to spread disease. The body of fleas is polished, hard with hairs and short spines directed backwards. Its body is tough and can withstand any great pressure. Fleas may also bite human beings and it is around the ankles the fleas normally attack. The eggs of the fleas are oval shaped, white in colour. Fleas are most commonly found in the pets,

Phthiraptera

Lice belongs to the order Phthiraptera. Some lice species like fleas are parasites sucking blood or feeding on living skin. There are also other lice species that are symbiotic scavengers, which thrive on dead tissues. The Lice move about like a grasshopper. But it do not move around as much as Fleas. The lice have a body that is adapted to living in the host for its whole life. They have very stout legs and claws, which help them to cling to the host’s hair and feather.

The lice is small and oval shape, Dark grey in color. Lice are not known to carry diseases. The eggs of lice are oval shaped, and tan to coffee colored but it turns white after hatching. Lice are known to exhibit a remarkable level of host specificity. This means that most of the individual lice will spend their whole life in a single host. Lice are associated with human beings. The most common lice found in human beings are the Head lice.