Flea
Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides felis (Cat flea - most common species in homes), Ctenocephalides canis (Dog flea), Pulex irritans (Human flea), etc.
Order & Family: Order Siphonaptera, Family Pulicidae (common fleas, though other families exist)
Size: Typically 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.12 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Fleas are found globally in various environments. They typically inhabit the fur or feathers of their hosts. Off-host, they can be found in carpets, bedding, cracks in floors, upholstered furniture, and outdoor areas frequented by host animals.
Diet & Feeding
Adult fleas are obligate hematophagous parasites, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded hosts, primarily mammals and birds. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (which contains undigested blood).
Behavior Patterns
Fleas are excellent jumpers, capable of leaping great distances relative to their size. They undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adults typically live for several months if they can find a host and feed regularly. They are highly resilient and can survive for extended periods without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Flea bites cause itchy red welts, leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in sensitive individuals and pets. They can transmit diseases such as plague (Yersinia pestis), murine typhus, and serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum). Benefits: In most ecosystems, fleas are considered pests rather than beneficial insects. They play a role in host-parasite dynamics but do not offer significant ecological benefits.
Identified on: 8/27/2025