Fleas are an important vector, and the Xenopsylla genus plays an important role in the spread of plague in China. This study describes the defining characteristics, geographical distribution, plague host and association of seven Xenopsylla species, providing the basis for the research and development of control strategies regarding the Xenopsylla genus.

Objective To observe the life cycle of Xenopsylla minax Jordan, 1926 under laboratory conditions and whether it could suck in human blood or not.  Methods The specimens of X. minax collected from Rhombomys opimus haunting Mayile Mountain valley of Tuli county of Xinjiang were fed on white mice. The life cycle was observed under the conditions of 18-24 ℃ and 70%-90% RH. The two breeding methods, including the common medium method and plate culture of third instar ripe larvae and pupae, were used for the study. The first filial generation adults 1-3 d after emergence with an empty stomach were induced to suck human blood from the anterior arm and ankle skin of 4 volunteeres.  Results It was found that the egg stage was at 10-11 d, the larva stage 18-19 d, the pupa stage 10-12 d, and the pregnancy 2-3 d. 40-45 d was needed   from oviposition of the adults to that of the first filial generation adults. Of the 34 tested fleas （15♂♂，19♀♀） 18♀♀ showed the behavior of sucking human blood, but 15♂♂ and 1♀did not.  Conclusion It took 40-45 d  for X. minax to complete a life cycle under laboratory conditions as stated. Almost all of the female first filial generation adults were able to suck human blood but the males were not.

【Abstract】 Objective To observe the life cycle of  Monopsyllus anisus (Rothschild, 1907) in the laboratory.  Methods M.anisus （6♂♂, 7♀♀） collected from  Rattus  norvegecus in Urumqi were fed with rats, at 24-26 ℃ and RH 80%-90%. The life cycle of fleas was observed by two methods such as common breeding and culture plate rearing. Results The life cycle from parent oviposition to the oviposition of filial generation adults was 20-25 d, including 4 d of egg stage, 8-10 d of larva stage, 5-8 d of pupa stage and pregnancy 3 d.  Conclusion The life cycle of M.anisus was within 20-25 d in the laboratory, which was similar to the report before.