How far does a flea jump? - briefly
A flea can propel itself about 13 cm (5 in) upward and up to 30 cm (12 in) horizontally. This jump results from an acceleration of roughly 100 g, allowing the insect to cover the distance in a fraction of a second.
How far does a flea jump? - in detail
Fleas achieve remarkable propulsion despite their minute size. A single leap can cover roughly 13 cm (5 in) vertically and up to 18 cm (7 in) horizontally, equivalent to 100–200 times the animal’s body length. This performance results from a specialized musculoskeletal system: the hind legs contain a protein called resilin that stores elastic energy, releasing it in a rapid catapult motion. The acceleration generated exceeds 100 g, allowing the insect to clear obstacles and locate hosts efficiently.
Key measurements:
- Vertical displacement: 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in)
- Horizontal displacement: 15–18 cm (6–7 in)
- Ratio to body length: 100–200 ×
- Peak acceleration: >100 g
- Take‑off speed: 1.5–2.5 m s⁻¹
Variations occur among species; for example, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) typically reaches the upper limits, while dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) may exhibit slightly shorter jumps. Environmental factors such as temperature and surface texture influence launch efficiency, with optimal performance observed at moderate temperatures (20–25 °C) and smooth substrates that reduce energy loss.
Research methods include high‑speed videography and laser‑based tracking, which quantify trajectory, velocity, and force vectors. These data underpin models of flea locomotion and inform pest‑control strategies that target the mechanical aspects of jumping ability.