What are flea larvae called? - briefly
Flea larvae are commonly referred to as flea maggots, the immature stage of fleas before pupation.
What are flea larvae called? - in detail
The immature stage of fleas is referred to as a larva, commonly called a flea larva or flea maggot. This form belongs to the order Siphonaptera and represents the second life‑stage after the egg.
Flea larvae differ markedly from the adult insect. They are legless, soft‑bodied, and covered with a dense coat of hairs that aid in moisture retention. Their bodies are divided into three regions—head, thorax, and abdomen—and they possess chewing mouthparts adapted for consuming organic debris, fungal spores, and the exuviae of other larvae.
Development proceeds through three instars. Each instar is separated by a molting event, during which the larva sheds its cuticle and grows larger. The duration of each instar varies with temperature and humidity but typically spans 2–5 days under optimal conditions.
Pupation occurs when the larva constructs a silken cocoon in the surrounding substrate, such as carpet fibers, animal bedding, or soil. Inside the cocoon, the larva undergoes metamorphosis and emerges as an adult flea.
Key characteristics of flea larvae include:
- Lack of legs; locomotion achieved by contracting body segments.
- Dark, cream‑to‑brown coloration, becoming darker as they mature.
- Presence of sensory hairs (setae) that detect vibrations and chemical cues.
- Dependence on a moist, protected environment rich in organic matter.
Understanding the terminology and biology of this stage is essential for effective control measures, as interventions targeting larval habitats can interrupt the flea life cycle before adult emergence.