Flea Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found in areas where pets sleep or frequent, deep inside carpet fibers, in floor cracks, or bedding. They require a dark, humid environment protected from direct light.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic debris, specifically 'flea dirt' (dried blood excreted by adult fleas), dead skin cells, and other organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are negatively phototactic, meaning they actively move away from light. They coil around carpet fibers to avoid vacuuming. They go through three larval stages before spinning a cocoon to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They mature into biting adult fleas which can cause allergic dermatitis, transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum), and are vectors for diseases like murine typhus and cat scratch disease. Benefits: None in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 2/22/2026