How do clothing fleas look? - briefly
Clothing fleas are tiny, wingless insects about 1‑3 mm long, reddish‑brown to dark brown, with a laterally flattened, oval body and long hind legs adapted for jumping. They have a hard, glossy exoskeleton and lack prominent antennae.
How do clothing fleas look? - in detail
Clothing fleas are small, wingless insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally compressed, giving a flattened appearance that facilitates movement through fabric fibers. The exoskeleton is a smooth, dark brown to reddish‑brown color, often appearing matte under light.
The head is relatively small with prominent, segmented antennae that extend forward and are composed of 10–12 short segments. Compound eyes are reduced or absent, reflecting their adaptation to low‑light environments within clothing. The thorax bears three pairs of legs, each ending in a pair of sharp, claw‑like tarsi that grip fibers securely. Legs are long relative to body size, allowing the flea to jump short distances—up to 10 mm—when disturbed.
Abdomen segments are clearly delineated, each bearing fine setae that aid in sensory perception. The posterior end terminates in a short, pointed abdomen with a tiny, retractable spine used for anchoring during feeding.
Key visual characteristics:
- Length: 1.5–3 mm
- Color: dark brown to reddish‑brown, matte
- Body shape: laterally compressed, smooth exoskeleton
- Antennae: 10–12 short segments, forward‑projecting
- Legs: three pairs, long, ending in clawed tarsi
- Abdomen: segmented, setae‑covered, with a small posterior spine
These traits distinguish clothing fleas from other ectoparasites, such as head lice, which are larger, have a more rounded body, and possess visible eyes. The combination of size, flattened form, and specialized legs enables effective navigation and survival within woven textiles.