Bug Identifier
Flea
Community identification

Flea

Ctenocephalides felis (most common) or Ctenocephalides canis

Order & Family
Order: Siphonaptera, Family: Pulicidae
Size
1.5 to 3.3 mm long
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found on host animals (dogs, cats, rodents) and in their bedding, carpets, or areas where pets sleep.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (blood-feeding); adults feed on the blood of mammals or birds.

Behavior Patterns

Excellent jumpers due to powerful hind legs; they move quickly through fur/feathers. Complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Irritating bites causing itching and allergic dermatitis; potential vectors for diseases (e.g., murine typhus) and parasites (tapeworms). No ecological benefits in a domestic setting.