A flea is a small, wingless insect belonging to the order Siphonaptera. With a flattened body and strong hind legs adapted for jumping, fleas are known for their ability to quickly move from host to host, particularly mammals. They are ectoparasites that feed exclusively on the blood of their hosts, which may include humans, pets, livestock, and wild animals.
Measuring approximately 1-4 millimeters in length, fleas have a hard exoskeleton that is typically dark brown in color. They possess long, needle-like mouthparts, called stylets, used for piercing the skin to extract blood. Fleas also have specialized structures on their legs, such as sharp claws and spines, which aid in holding onto their hosts' fur or feathers.
Fleas undergo a complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. After mating on a host, female fleas lay hundreds of tiny white eggs that easily fall off into the environment, such as bedding or carpets. These eggs hatch into larvae that are worm-like and semi-transparent, primarily feeding on organic debris and adult flea excrement. The larvae then spin silk cocoons and develop into pupae, which are wrapped in a protective casing. Following this stage, adults emerge from the pupae, ready to search for a host to feed on.
Fleas are known vectors for various diseases, including the bubonic plague, murine typhus, and cat scratch disease. Additionally, their bites can cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and dermatitis. Flea control measures often include regular vacuuming, washing bedding and applying insecticides to eliminate fleas from the environment, while pet owners may use flea collars or administer spot-on
