How many eggs does a female flea lay? - briefly
A female flea can produce up to roughly 2,000 eggs over her lifespan, typically releasing 30–50 eggs in each batch.
How many eggs does a female flea lay? - in detail
A female flea can produce between 30 and 100 eggs during a single reproductive bout. The exact count depends on species, host blood quality, temperature, and humidity. Common cat‑ and dog‑fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis) typically lay about 40–50 eggs when conditions are optimal (25‑30 °C, 70‑80 % relative humidity). Warmer environments accelerate development, allowing a flea to lay multiple batches over a lifespan of two to three weeks, potentially reaching the upper limit of egg output.
Key factors influencing egg production:
- Blood intake: A fully engorged flea stores enough nutrients to support a larger clutch.
- Temperature: Below 15 °C, egg laying slows dramatically; above 30 °C, mortality rises, reducing total output.
- Humidity: Levels below 50 % cause desiccation of eggs, prompting the female to lay fewer eggs.
- Age: Egg production peaks 2–3 days after the first blood meal and declines thereafter.
The reproductive cycle proceeds as follows: after a blood meal, the flea matures sexually within 24–48 hours, mates, and begins oviposition. Eggs are deposited on the host’s fur, fall into the environment, and hatch into larvae within 2–5 days. Under favorable conditions, a single female can generate enough progeny to cause a rapid infestation, emphasizing the need for prompt environmental control.