Flea
ExploreInsects
Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Fleas are tiny insects that like to live on animals like dogs and cats. They can jump very far and have special mouthparts for biting and feeding on blood.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Flea has a tiny, dark reddish-brown body that is flattened from side to side, making it very thin. It possesses a hard, shiny exoskeleton and no wings, which helps distinguish it from other small insects.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderSiphonapteraFamilyPulicidaeGenusPulex
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A female flea can lay over 2,000 eggs in her lifetime!
Flea saliva contains anticoagulants, stopping blood from clotting while they feed.
Fleas can survive without a blood meal for several months, waiting for a host!
They use specialized mouthparts like tiny needles to pierce skin and suck blood.
Special abilities
Ability
Super Jumper
Flea can leap incredible distances because of powerful hind legs that help them escape danger and find hosts.
Ability
Fur Navigator
Flea has a unique laterally flattened body that helps them move easily through host fur or feathers without getting caught.
Ability
Sticky Feet
Flea has strong claws and bristles that help them cling tightly to their host, preventing them from being dislodged.
Ability
Tough Armor
Flea has a tough, armor-like exoskeleton that helps protect them from being crushed or squashed by their host.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 1.5-3.3 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-100 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Fleas drink blood from warm-blooded animals to get all the energy they need.
Age differences: Larvae eat organic debris like skin flakes and flea feces, while adult fleas feed exclusively on blood.
Primary Foods
- mammal blood
- bird blood
- human blood
- dog blood
- cat blood
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Dog
Canis familiaris
Fleas drink their blood, causing itching.
parasitizes
Cat
Felis catus
Attaches to their fur and skin to feed.
parasitizes
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Can infest rats and transmit diseases.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Parasitic
This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Vampiric
Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Cat FleaDog Flea
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Avoid contact with stray animals to prevent flea bites. Always ask an adult for help if you suspect fleas on a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Flea?
1.5-3.3 mm
How long does Flea live?
14-100 days
What does Flea eat?
Fleas drink blood from warm-blooded animals to get all the energy they need.
Where is Flea usually found?
Urban areas
How does Flea hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Flea have?
6
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