Bug Identifier
Cat flea
Community identification

Cat flea

Ctenocephalides felis

Order & Family
Order: Siphonaptera, Family: Pulicidae
Size
1 to 3 millimeters in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found on domestic and wild mammals, and within indoor environments such as carpets, bedding, and furniture where hosts spend time.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds.

Behavior Patterns

Wingless insects specialized for jumping long distances; they undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and require a blood meal to reproduce.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and skin irritation in humans and pets through their bites, and may transmit certain parasites like tapeworms. They offer no notable benefits in residential environments.