How many larvae does a flea have? - briefly
A female flea generally lays 20 – 50 eggs, each of which hatches into a single larva.
How many larvae does a flea have? - in detail
Fleas reproduce through a rapid, egg‑to‑adult cycle. A single adult female deposits eggs on the host or in the surrounding environment; each egg hatches into a larva within 2–5 days under favorable temperature and humidity.
A female can lay between 20 and 30 eggs per batch, and multiple batches are common during her lifespan. Consequently, a single flea may generate roughly 40–100 larvae over several weeks, depending on feeding success and environmental conditions.
Key factors influencing larval output:
- Availability of blood meals for the adult female
- Ambient temperature (optimal range 20‑30 °C)
- Relative humidity (70‑80 % promotes development)
- Presence of suitable organic debris for larval shelter
The larval stage lasts 5–11 days, after which larvae spin cocoons and enter the pupal phase. Pupation can extend from a few days to several weeks, regulated by environmental cues. Upon emergence, the adult flea seeks a host to begin the reproductive cycle anew.