How do fleas reproduce and how long do they live? - briefly
Female fleas deposit eggs after feeding on blood; the eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into pupae and emerge as adults within about a week when conditions are favorable. Adult fleas survive roughly two to three weeks without a host but can persist several months with continuous blood meals.
How do fleas reproduce and how long do they live? - in detail
Fleas reproduce through a rapid, temperature‑dependent cycle. Adult females lay 20–50 eggs per day after a blood meal, depositing them on the host’s fur or in the surrounding environment. Eggs hatch within 1–5 days, releasing larvae that feed on organic debris, adult flea feces, and skin cells. Larvae spin silken cocoons and enter the pupal stage, which can last from a few days to several weeks; a cold or low‑humidity environment prolongs pupation, while warmth and host vibrations trigger emergence. Adult fleas emerge from cocoons, seek a blood source, and begin mating within 24 hours. Mating occurs on the host; a single male can fertilize multiple females, and females store sperm for repeated egg production throughout their lifespan.
Key points of the lifecycle:
- Egg: 1–5 days to hatch under 21–30 °C, 70–80 % humidity.
- Larva: 5–11 days, three instars, feeding on detritus.
- Pupa: 4–14 days minimum; can extend to months if conditions are unfavorable.
- Adult: 2–3 months average; capable of surviving 1–2 weeks without a blood meal.
Adult lifespan varies with temperature, host availability, and species. At optimal temperatures (25–30 °C) and regular feeding, adults live 2–3 months, producing several generations in a single year. In cooler climates or when hosts are scarce, survival may drop to 1–2 weeks, with the ability to remain dormant in the pupal cocoon until conditions improve. Flea populations can expand exponentially because each female can produce thousands of offspring over her lifetime, emphasizing the importance of interrupting any stage of the cycle to control infestations.