What are fleas called that come from dampness? - briefly
Fleas that thrive in moist conditions are commonly called “wet fleas.” The term differentiates them from the usual dry‑environment flea species.
What are fleas called that come from dampness? - in detail
Water‑dwelling flea‑like crustaceans are commonly referred to as water fleas. They belong to the order Cladocera, a group of small, primarily freshwater branchiopods. Despite the name, they are not true insects; they are arthropods with a bivalved carapace and antennae that generate locomotion.
Key characteristics of water fleas include:
- Size ranging from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, depending on species.
- Transparent or pigmented bodies, often with a single compound eye.
- Filter‑feeding habit: setae on the thoracic limbs capture algae, bacteria, and detritus.
- Rapid reproductive cycle: females produce clutches of eggs (often called “ephippia”) that can remain dormant during adverse conditions.
Prominent genera:
- Daphnia – the most widely studied; found in ponds, lakes, and slow‑moving streams.
- Bosmina – smaller, typically inhabiting nutrient‑rich waters.
- Ceriodaphnia – tolerant of higher temperatures and occasional low‑oxygen zones.
Ecological role:
- Serve as primary consumers, converting phytoplankton biomass into animal protein.
- Provide a crucial food source for fish larvae, amphibian tadpoles, and larger invertebrates.
- Act as bioindicators: population shifts reflect changes in water quality, temperature, and pollutant levels.
Adaptations to moist environments:
- Cuticle resistant to desiccation, allowing survival in fluctuating water levels.
- Ability to produce dormant eggs that withstand drying, freezing, and chemical stress.
- Some species can perform vertical migrations, moving to cooler, oxygen‑richer layers during daylight.
In summary, the organisms commonly called “water fleas” are Cladocera, a diverse group of freshwater crustaceans adapted to damp habitats, distinguished by their filter‑feeding morphology, rapid life cycle, and significant position in aquatic food webs.