Flea

Natural Habitat

Found globally in the nests and bedding of mammalian and avian hosts, as well as indoors in carpets and upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; adults feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds, while larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea feces.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless, saltatorial (jumping) insects that use powerful hind legs to leap onto hosts. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and often stay dormant in cocoons until they detect heat or vibration.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include skin irritation (flea bite dermatitis), allergic reactions, and transmission of diseases such as plague, murine typhus, and tapeworms. They offer no notable benefits to humans or ecosystems.

Identified on: 1/12/2026