Flea

Found globally; typically lives on the bodies of warm-blooded hosts or in their bedding and carpets.

Obligate hematophages; adults feed on the blood of mammals and birds, while larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea feces.

Flightless but capable of jumping long distances; they use specialized mouthparts to pierce skin and suck blood. Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Significant pests; their bites cause itching and allergic reactions. They are vectors for various diseases including plague and typhus, and can transmit tapeworms to pets and humans.