How many days does a flea grow? - briefly
A flea typically progresses from egg to adult in about 12–14 days at optimal temperatures (around 24 °C); cooler conditions can extend the cycle to roughly three weeks. The adult stage then lives several weeks, feeding on hosts.
How many days does a flea grow? - in detail
Flea development proceeds through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The total time from oviposition to a reproductively active adult depends primarily on ambient temperature and humidity.
- Egg – Females lay eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment. At 70 °F (21 °C) eggs hatch in about 2–3 days; higher temperatures accelerate hatching to 1 day, while cooler conditions can prolong it to 4 days.
- Larva – After emerging, larvae feed on organic debris, adult flea feces, and environmental microorganisms. Under optimal conditions (75–80 °F, 70–80 % relative humidity) the larval period lasts 5–7 days. Lower temperatures or reduced humidity extend this phase to 10–14 days.
- Pupa – Larvae spin silken cocoons and enter the pupal stage. The pupal period is the most variable, ranging from 5 days in warm, humid settings to several weeks (up to 30 days) when conditions are cooler or when the cocoon remains sealed until a host’s presence triggers emergence.
- Adult – Emerging adults require a blood meal to mature sexually. Once fed, they are capable of reproduction within 24–48 hours.
Summing typical values at moderate indoor temperatures (70–75 °F) yields an overall developmental span of roughly 12–21 days from egg to adult. Extreme environmental conditions can shorten the cycle to about 7 days or lengthen it to over a month. The speed of development directly influences infestation dynamics, as rapid maturation leads to exponential population growth when hosts are continuously available.