# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Cat Flea, Dog Flea ![Flea](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426749/objects/6089.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Siphonaptera - **Family:** Pulicidae - **Genus:** Pulex ## 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 - **Super Jumper:** Flea can leap incredible distances because of powerful hind legs that help them escape danger and find hosts. - **Fur Navigator:** Flea has a unique laterally flattened body that helps them move easily through host fur or feathers without getting caught. - **Sticky Feet:** Flea has strong claws and bristles that help them cling tightly to their host, preventing them from being dislodged. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cat) (*Felis catus*) — Attaches to their fur and skin to feed. - **Parasitizes:** [Brown Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Can infest rats and transmit diseases. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Parasitic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/parasitic): This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/vampiric): Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 to identify Flea? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Flea: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/flea)