About Fleas
Fleas are insects and thus belong to the order Siphonaptera which means 'wingless siphon,' an apt description. Worldwide, there are over 2,000 species of fleas. They prefer to live separately and do not interbreed. Fleas are important because of their direct effects on animals (and people) and because of the diseases they can transmit. Some of the more important fleas include: Xenopsylla cheopis is commonly known as the rat flea and is the carrier of bubonic plague. Known as the 'Black Death' in the Middle Ages, bubonic plague killed 200 million people. The name "rat flea" implies that rats are the preferred host, but the flea also lives on people, dogs, and cats.
Echidnophaga gallinacea is also known as the Tropical hen flea or the sticktight flea. It is mainly a flea of birds, but will also feed on other animals.
Pulex irritans is the human flea. This flea also infests swine, and occasionally dogs and cats.
Ctenocephalides felis is the domestic cat flea, but it actually prefers dogs. This is the most common flea that affects dogs and cats.
Ctenocephalides canis is the common dog flea. Despite its name, it also feeds on humans, cats, and other animals.
All of these fleas have their preferred hosts, but all will feed on dogs and cats. With such a huge range of fleas that can and do feed on dogs and cats, it is easy to understand why their numbers are so difficult to control.
Flea Anatomy
Fleas are insects, 2-8 mm long, and their body is divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Attached to the thorax are three pairs of legs for a total of six. The last pair is greatly enlarged, which equips them with their fantastic jumping ability.
Fleas have no wings. The most noted flea characteristics are their medium brown to mahogany color and laterally flattened body. They are slightly smaller than a sesame seed.
Fleas have eyes and antennae, which detect heat, vibration, carbon dioxide, shadows, and changes in air currents, all of which indicate a possible meal is nearby.
What do fleas eat?
Fleas, both male and female, feed on the blood of animals. They can go several months without a meal.
What is the life cycle of fleas?
flea dirt which has dissolved into a red color on a wet white paperThere are four stages in the development of fleas: eggs, larvae,pupae, and adults. Male and female fleas mate and two days later the female flea starts laying eggs. The eggs are often laid on the animal, but because they are not sticky, fall off into the environment. Along with the eggs, the female flea deposits a large amount of feces (often called 'flea dirt'). The feces, or flea dirt will dissolve into a red color when moistened; this is because it is primarily digested blood. The flea can lay 30-50 eggs in a day, generally in batches of 3 to 15, though she will not lay eggs every day. A flea can produce 400-1,000 eggs in her lifetime (several months to two years, depending on the species)
