How do earth flea larvae look? - briefly
Earth flea larvae are slender, whitish, and semi‑transparent, with a segmented body and three pairs of short legs near the front. They bear a forked tail (furcula) and ventral hooks for anchoring in the soil.
How do earth flea larvae look? - in detail
Earth‑flea larvae are minute, soft‑bodied organisms typically measuring between two and five millimetres in length. Their bodies are elongated and slightly cylindrical, narrowing toward the posterior end. The cuticle is thin and often translucent, giving the larvae a pale whitish appearance that allows internal structures to be faintly visible.
The head region is reduced, lacking distinct eyes, and bears a pair of short antennae equipped with sensory setae. Mouthparts are adapted for detritivorous feeding, consisting of mandibles and a labrum that project forward beneath the head capsule.
Three thoracic segments each support a pair of short, jointed legs. The legs terminate in small claws that enable the larvae to navigate the interstitial spaces of soil and leaf litter. Each leg bears a few setae that function as mechanoreceptors.
The abdomen comprises multiple visibly segmented plates. Each segment bears rows of fine bristles (setae) that may be arranged in transverse bands. Posteriorly, a slender terminal filament extends beyond the last abdominal segment, assisting in locomotion and sensory detection.
Key morphological characteristics can be summarized as follows:
- Length: 2–5 mm, variable with species and developmental stage.
- Coloration: translucent to opaque white; occasional brownish tones in later instars.
- Head: reduced capsule, short antennae, mandibles for chewing.
- Thorax: three segments, each with a pair of legs ending in claws.
- Abdomen: multiple sclerotized segments, dense setae, terminal filament.
These features collectively distinguish earth‑flea larvae from other soil‑dwelling arthropod juveniles and facilitate their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.