Bug Identifier
Human Flea (most likely represented flea species)
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
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.