
Community identification
Human Flea (most likely represented flea species)
Pulex irritans
- Order & Family
- Siphonaptera (order), Pulicidae (family)
- Size
- 1.5 to 4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found globally in close proximity to mammals, particularly in homes, farms, and areas with pets or livestock.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of mammals, primarily humans, pigs, and dogs.
Behavior Patterns
Wingless, saltatorial (jumping) insects that crawl through hair or fabric. They have a complex life cycle including egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, and can survive for months without food.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include irritating bites, allergic dermatitis, and potential transmission of pathogens such as plague (Yersinia pestis) or murine typhus. They provide no significant ecological benefits in human environments.