What are flea embryos called? - briefly
The developing stage of a flea within the egg is referred to simply as a flea egg. After incubation, the egg hatches into the larval stage.
What are flea embryos called? - in detail
Flea embryos are referred to as eggs. The term applies to the entire reproductive unit that contains the developing embryo until hatching.
The egg is a smooth, oval structure measuring 0.5–0.8 mm in length. Its shell is composed of a chitinous chorion that protects the embryo from desiccation and mechanical damage. Color varies from white to pale yellow, darkening slightly as embryogenesis progresses.
Key aspects of embryonic development:
- Incubation period: 2–14 days, depending on temperature and humidity. Optimal conditions (20–25 °C, >70 % relative humidity) accelerate development.
- Cellular differentiation: After fertilization, the zygote undergoes cleavage, forming a blastoderm that differentiates into the germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm). These layers give rise to the larval tissues.
- Respiratory adaptation: The chorion contains microscopic pores that permit gas exchange, allowing oxygen uptake and carbon‑dioxide release.
- Protective mechanisms: The egg’s outer coating contains antimicrobial compounds that reduce fungal and bacterial colonization in the environment.
Once embryogenesis is complete, the larva emerges, discarding the empty chorion. The larval stage follows the egg, leading to pupation and eventual adult emergence.