How do wood fleas look? - briefly
Wood fleas are minute, oval insects measuring roughly 1–2 mm, with a reddish‑brown, glossy exoskeleton and short, bristly antennae. They are wingless and possess a hard, beetle‑like shell that gives them a distinctive, compact appearance.
How do wood fleas look? - in detail
Wood fleas, also known as Anobiidae larvae, are small, elongated insects that typically measure between 2 mm and 6 mm in length. Their bodies are cylindrical, slightly flattened laterally, and consist of three distinct regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head bears a pair of short, straight antennae and mandibles adapted for chewing wood fibers. The thorax supports three pairs of legs, each ending in tiny claws that aid in gripping the substrate.
The coloration ranges from creamy white to pale amber, often becoming darker toward the rear segments. The cuticle is soft and translucent, allowing internal organs to be faintly visible. The abdomen displays a series of fine, hair‑like setae that may appear as a faint fuzz under magnification. Larval segments are separated by shallow sutures, creating a subtle segmentation pattern.
Key visual traits include:
- Size: 2–6 mm, depending on species and developmental stage.
- Shape: Slender, slightly flattened, with a tapered posterior.
- Color: Light cream to amber, occasionally with a brownish hue on the posterior.
- Antennae: Short, filiform, composed of 6–7 segments.
- Legs: Three pairs, each bearing a single claw.
- Setae: Fine, sparse hairs covering the dorsal surface.
Adult wood fleas differ markedly, possessing hardened elytra, a broader body, and a metallic sheen. Their coloration is typically brown to black, with a glossy surface that reflects light. Adults measure 3–5 mm, have well‑developed wings concealed beneath the elytra, and exhibit a more robust head equipped with chewing mouthparts.
These morphological details allow reliable identification of wood fleas in infested timber and assist in distinguishing them from similar wood‑boring insects.