How do flea larvae look on fur? - briefly
Flea larvae are tiny, cream‑colored, worm‑like organisms about 2–5 mm long, featuring a tapered body and a short, brush‑like tail. They reside deep within the animal’s coat or bedding, making them rarely visible on the surface.
How do flea larvae look on fur? - in detail
Flea larvae that inhabit a pet’s coat are small, soft‑bodied insects measuring approximately 2–5 mm in length when fully grown. Their bodies are elongated, slightly curved, and divided into three distinct thoracic segments followed by nine abdominal segments. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, equipped with chewing mandibles but no visible eyes. Legs are absent; movement relies on muscular contractions that produce a slow, undulating crawl across the hair shafts.
The coloration of these immature stages ranges from creamy white to pale yellow, often appearing translucent when wet. A thin, silky coating of fecal material may give a speckled or dusty appearance to the larvae themselves and to the surrounding fur. When observed under magnification, each segment displays fine, hair‑like setae that aid in sensing the environment.
Typical locations within the coat include:
- The base of dense undercoat where humidity is higher.
- Areas near the skin, especially in regions where the animal rests or sleeps.
- Accumulations of debris, such as shed hair, skin scales, and environmental litter, which serve as food sources.
Key distinguishing features from adult fleas:
- Lack of hind legs and the characteristic jumping ability of mature insects.
- Absence of a flattened, laterally compressed body shape.
- Presence of a soft, pliable cuticle rather than a hardened exoskeleton.
Visual indicators that suggest larval infestation:
- Small, white, thread‑like masses resembling cotton fibers.
- Fine, silky tunnels or webs woven into the fur.
- Slow, sinuous movement of minute, worm‑like bodies when the coat is disturbed.
Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate identification and appropriate control measures.