Cat Flea (or general flea species)

Widely distributed worldwide; commonly found in homes with pets, nesting areas of mammals, and in carpets, furniture, or cracks in flooring.

Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders). Adults feed on the blood of mammals and birds; larvae feed on organic debris, including 'flea dirt' (adult fecal matter consisting of dried blood).

Wingless but capable of jumping long distances. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). They are largely nocturnal but will bite at any time if a host is nearby.

Risks: Can cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum), and are vectors for diseases like murine typhus and cat scratch disease. Benefits: Minimal ecosystem benefit; mainly serve as a food source for some predatory insects and spiders.