Flea (likely Cat Flea)

Natural Habitat

Adult fleas live on the host animal (mammals and birds), while eggs, larvae, and pupae are found in the environment where the host spends time, such as carpets, bedding, 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. Larval fleas feed on organic debris, especially dried blood and feces of adult fleas.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas have a life cycle with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid on the host animal and fall off into the environment. Larvae hatch and feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces. Pupae develop in cocoons and can remain dormant for extended periods before emerging as adults when suitable hosts are detected.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Fleas can cause intense itching, skin irritation, allergic dermatitis in sensitive individuals/animals, and secondary skin infections. They can transmit diseases such as murine typhus and plague (though rare in developed countries), and act as intermediate hosts for parasites like tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum). Benefits: None for humans or most domestic animals; in ecosystems, they are a food source for some predators.

Identified on: 8/11/2025