Human Flea (most likely represented flea species)
Scientific Name: 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.
Identified on: 1/11/2026