Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas are found globally, typically in close proximity to their hosts (mammals and birds). Their larvae are commonly found in carpets, bedding, and soil.

Diet & Feeding

Adults are hematophagous, meaning they feed on the blood of vertebrates. Larvae feed on organic debris and the dried blood (flea dirt) excreted by adults.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless, agile jumpers that can leap up to 200 times their body length. They are primarily nocturnal and have a holometabolous life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Fleas are significant pests and vectors of diseases such as plague, murine typhus, and cat-scratch disease. They also cause allergic dermatitis and transmit tapeworms. There are no notable benefits to humans.

Identified on: 12/30/2025