Flea (likely cat or dog flea)
Ctenocephalides felis (most likely)
- Order & Family
- Siphonaptera; Pulicidae
- Size
- About 1.5–3.3 mm long; the pictured insect is too small and indistinct for certain identification.
Natural Habitat
Fleas live on mammals and in carpets, bedding, upholstery, soil, and vehicle interiors frequented by pets. They commonly infest homes with cats or dogs.
Diet & Feeding
Adults consume blood from mammals, occasionally biting humans. Larvae feed on organic debris, especially dried blood in flea feces.
Behavior Patterns
Wingless, laterally flattened, and powerful-jumping; adults move quickly through fur or fabric. Eggs and larvae develop off-host, while adults can emerge in response to warmth, vibration, or carbon dioxide.
Risks & Benefits
Bites cause itchy papules and can trigger flea-allergy dermatitis; heavy infestations may cause anemia in small animals. Fleas can transmit pathogens and parasites, including flea-borne typhus organisms and tapeworms; they have little practical ecosystem benefit.