Dog Flea / Cat Flea

Natural Habitat

Typically found on domestic dogs, cats, or in the sleeping areas and carpets of homes with pets.

Diet & Feeding

Adults are hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of mammals. Larvae feed on organic debris and 'flea dirt' (adult fecal matter).

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are wingless, saltatorial (jumping) insects that use powerful hind legs to leap onto hosts. They undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include severe itching, allergic dermatitis, and transmission of parasites like tapeworms. They can also transmit bacterial diseases such as murine typhus and plague, although these are less common in urban domestic settings.

Identified on: 3/14/2026