Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. They are typically found on hosts (mammals and birds) or in their immediate surroundings, such as bedding, carpets, cracks in floors, and pet resting areas.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas are obligate hematophagous parasites, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contain dried blood).

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are excellent jumpers, able to leap significant distances relative to their size. They are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and vibrations, which help them locate hosts. They typically remain on a host to feed but can survive for a period off a host. Their life cycle involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Fleas can cause itchy bites, allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis in pets and humans), and hair loss in animals due to excessive scratching. They can transmit diseases such as murine typhus and plague, and can be intermediate hosts for tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum). Potential Benefits: None known in a direct beneficial ecological sense for humans; primarily considered pests.

Identified on: 10/8/2025