How do flea larvae look? - briefly
Flea larvae are small, white, worm‑like organisms about 2–5 mm long, legless, with a segmented body covered in fine hairs. They inhabit dark, humid settings such as animal nests or carpeting, feeding on organic debris and adult flea feces.
How do flea larvae look? - in detail
Flea larvae are small, soft‑bodied insects that differ markedly from the adult flea. Mature larvae measure approximately 2–5 mm in length, with some species reaching up to 6 mm. Their bodies are elongated, cylindrical, and tapered toward the posterior end. The cuticle is thin, translucent, and often appears creamy‑white or pale yellow, allowing internal organs to be faintly visible.
Key morphological characteristics include:
- Head capsule: Small, sclerotized, bearing a pair of short, ventrally positioned mouthparts adapted for chewing organic debris.
- Thoracic segments: Three distinct segments, each bearing a pair of short, hook‑like legs (prolegs) that assist in anchoring to the substrate.
- Abdominal segments: Ten to twelve segments, each with fine setae that provide sensory input and aid in movement through the litter.
- Spiracles: Paired lateral openings on several abdominal segments, used for gas exchange; they are often concealed by a thin membrane.
- Silk glands: Located near the posterior end, producing a fine silk thread that the larva uses to attach itself to the surrounding material and to construct a protective cocoon for pupation.
The larval cuticle lacks the hardened plates (sclerites) present in adults, making the organism pliable and capable of navigating the narrow crevices of animal bedding, carpet fibers, and soil. The digestive tract is simple, with a foregut for ingestion of organic detritus, a midgut for enzymatic digestion, and a hindgut for waste elimination. Larvae feed primarily on adult flea feces, which contain partially digested blood, as well as on skin flakes, fungal spores, and other organic matter.
Development proceeds through three instars, each marked by incremental growth and a modest increase in body length. Molting occurs after each instar, with the exuviae remaining attached to the surrounding material, contributing to the debris that larvae consume. Upon reaching the final instar, the larva constructs a silken cocoon, often incorporating surrounding debris, and undergoes pupation within this enclosure. The pupal stage can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.