New Zealand bat flea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Zealand bat flea |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Ischnopsyllidae
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| Genus: |
Porribius
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| Species: |
P. pacificus
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| Binomial name | |
| Porribius pacificus Jordan, 1946
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The New Zealand bat flea (Porribius pacificus) is a tiny insect that lives only in New Zealand. It is a type of flea that makes its home on bats. This special flea is considered a threatened species, meaning it needs protection to survive.
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What is the New Zealand Bat Flea?
The New Zealand bat flea is a very small insect. It belongs to a group of insects called fleas. Fleas are known for being able to jump very high. This particular flea lives on bats and feeds on their blood. It's a bit like a tiny, harmless vampire for bats!
Where Does This Flea Live?
This unique flea is endemic to New Zealand. This means you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world. It was first discovered and described in 1946. The first samples were collected way back in 1915 near a town called Masterton. Other samples were found on chocolate wattled bats living on Pelorus Island.
How Does the Bat Flea Live with Bats?
The New Zealand bat flea is perfectly suited to live with the New Zealand long-tailed bat. These two species have a special connection. Scientists believe the flea's ancestors came to New Zealand from Australia. They likely traveled with the ancestors of the long-tailed bat over the last 2 million years.
Other Bat Hosts
While the long-tailed bat is its main home, the New Zealand bat flea has also been found on the New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat. However, experts think these cases are usually just accidental visits. The flea prefers the long-tailed bat as its main host.
Why is This Flea Important?
The New Zealand bat flea is an important part of New Zealand's unique wildlife. It shows how different species can depend on each other. Protecting this flea also helps protect the bats it lives on.
Conservation Status
Because it's so special and only found in New Zealand, the New Zealand bat flea has a special conservation status. In 2015, the Department of Conservation listed it as "Nationally Vulnerable." This means it's at risk of becoming endangered if we don't protect its home and its bat hosts.
