Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas are found worldwide and live as external parasites on mammals and birds, commonly in homes with pets, carpets, and animal bedding.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts; larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces ('flea dirt').

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless, agile jumpers that move quickly through host fur. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult), and adults spend most of their time on the host.

Risks & Benefits

Fleas are major pests that cause itching and allergic dermatitis. They can transmit diseases such as plague and murine typhus and can serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms.

Identified on: 6/25/2026