Flea
Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides felis (Cat Flea) or Ctenocephalides canis (Dog Flea) are the most common species found on domestic animals and often on humans, though definitive identification to species level from the image is difficult without higher magnification.
Order & Family: Order Siphonaptera (Fleas), Family Pulicidae (Common Fleas)
Size: 1.5 mm to 3.2 mm (1/16 to 1/8 inch)
Natural Habitat
Fleas live on and off their hosts. On hosts, they are found in fur or feathers. Off-host, they are typically found in carpets, pet bedding, cracks in floors, and other sheltered areas within homes or animal habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contains undigested blood).
Behavior Patterns
Fleas are excellent jumpers, using their powerful legs to leap onto hosts. They undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adults are obligate blood feeders and spend most of their lives on hosts.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Fleas are parasitic and can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in pets and humans. They can also transmit diseases such as murine typhus and plague (historically significant, less common now), and act as intermediate hosts for tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum). Benefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a role in nutrient cycling as part of the food chain, though their primary impact is as parasites.
Identified on: 9/1/2025