Flea

Natural Habitat

Found on the bodies of warm-blooded mammals (dogs, cats, humans) and in nearby environments like carpets, bedding, and grass.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; adults feed exclusively on the blood of their mammal or bird hosts.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless, jumping insects that use powerful hind legs to leap onto hosts. They undergo a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and can survive for long periods in cocoons without a host.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, and the transmission of diseases like tapeworms or typhus; they offer no significant benefits to human ecosystems.

Identified on: 1/4/2026