Flea

Natural Habitat

Fleas live on the bodies of warm-blooded animals (pets like cats and dogs, but also rodents, wildlife, and humans) and in their immediate environment, such as bedding, carpets, cracks in floors, and furniture. They thrive in warm, humid conditions.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fleas feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts (mammals and birds). Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces which contain undigested blood.

Behavior Patterns

Fleas are excellent jumpers, able to leap great distances relative to their size. They go through a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The entire life cycle can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks under ideal conditions. Adults typically cling to hosts for feeding and reproduction.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Fleas are considered pests due to their bites causing itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in both humans and animals. They can transmit diseases such as bubonic plague (rare in modern times but historically significant), murine typhus, and serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum). Benefits: In most ecosystems, fleas do not provide significant direct benefits. However, they are part of the food chain for other insects and small animals.

Identified on: 8/9/2025