How do pigeon fleas look? - briefly
Pigeon fleas are tiny, dark brown to black insects about 1.5–2 mm long, laterally flattened with a hardened, comb‑like thorax and elongated hind legs specialized for jumping.
How do pigeon fleas look? - in detail
Pigeon fleas are small, laterally flattened insects measuring 1.5–2 mm in length. Their bodies are segmented into head, thorax, and abdomen, each covered with fine, dense setae that give a slightly fuzzy appearance. The coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, often appearing dull due to a thin, waxy cuticle that reduces shine.
The head bears short antennae composed of five segments, ending in a club‑shaped tip. Compound eyes are reduced, reflecting a pale hue. Mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking, featuring a slender proboscis capable of penetrating the skin of avian hosts.
Thoracic legs are robust, equipped with strong claws that enable rapid jumping and firm attachment to feathers. Each leg ends in a pair of tarsal spines, assisting in locomotion across the host’s plumage. The abdomen is oval, slightly broader than the thorax, and contains the reproductive organs. Females possess a telescopic abdomen that expands during egg development, allowing the deposition of up to 30 eggs over a life span.
Eggs are oval, 0.2 mm long, and coated with a sticky substance that adheres to feathers or nest material. Larvae are legless, creamy white, and undergo three instars before pupating within a silken cocoon. The pupal stage appears as a darkened, oval capsule measuring about 1 mm, emerging as an adult after several days.
Overall, the morphology of these ectoparasites reflects adaptations for clinging to bird feathers, feeding on blood, and reproducing within the confined environment of nests.