Cat Flea

Found globally on domestic hosts (cats, dogs), wild mammals, and within human households (carpets, bedding).

Adults are hematophagous, feeding exclusively on the blood of mammals. Larvae feed on organic debris and 'flea dirt' (dried blood excreted by adults).

Wingless parasites with powerful hind legs for jumping. They exhibit holometabolous metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and spend most of their adult life on a single host.

Risks include causing flea allergy dermatitis, transmitting tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum), and potentially spreading bacterial pathogens like Rickettsia felis. They offer no notable benefits to ecosystems.