Flea

Natural Habitat

Found indoors and outdoors, typically associated with birds and mammals, including domestic pets like cats and dogs.

Diet & Feeding

Adults are hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of mammals or birds. Larvae eat organic debris and dried blood feces (flea dirt).

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless but are exceptional jumpers. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Adults remain on their host to feed and mate, while eggs and larvae fall into the surrounding environment like carpets or pet bedding.

Risks & Benefits

Fleas are significant pests that cause itchy red bumps. They can transmit diseases such as flea-borne typhus, plague, and tapeworms. They offer no notable benefits to the human ecosystem and often require professional pest control to eradicate infestations.

Identified on: 2/9/2026