[Asymmetry of the chaetae in fleas (Citellophilus tesquorum) as a possible marker of their capacity for blocking].

The fluctuating asymmetry was studied according to two bilateral numeric features of chaetaxy in groups of female Citellophilus tesquorum fleas. One group included insects with the recorded gizzard block during infection with the virulent plague agent strain. The fleas with the block were characterized by considerably higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry as compared with those without fleas.