What are grass fleas? - briefly
Grass fleas are tiny, wingless insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera, commonly found in grassy habitats and known for their powerful jumps. They feed on plant juices and can become pests in lawns and pastures.
What are grass fleas? - in detail
Grass fleas are tiny, laterally compressed insects belonging to the family Ceratopogonidae, commonly referred to as biting midges. Adults measure 1–3 mm, possess a single pair of wings, and exhibit powerful hind‑leg muscles that enable rapid jumps. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and extracting blood, though some species feed on plant fluids.
The life cycle comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Eggs are deposited in moist soil or leaf litter and hatch within a few days.
- Larvae are aquatic or semi‑aquatic, feeding on microorganisms and organic detritus; they undergo several instars over 1–3 weeks.
- Pupation occurs in a hardened cocoon within the substrate, lasting several days.
- Adults emerge, mate, and females seek blood meals to develop eggs, completing the cycle in 2–4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.
Preferred habitats include damp grasslands, marshes, and the edges of ponds where soil moisture remains high. Seasonal abundance peaks in late spring and early summer, coinciding with optimal temperature (15–25 °C) and humidity (>80 %). Their activity is crepuscular, with most bites occurring at dusk and dawn.
Human and animal interactions are primarily medical. Bites cause localized erythema, swelling, and itching; in sensitive individuals, allergic reactions may develop. Some species act as vectors for pathogens such as bluetongue virus in livestock and various protozoan parasites affecting wildlife.
Control strategies focus on habitat modification and chemical interventions. Reducing standing water, improving drainage, and mowing vegetation lower larval breeding sites. Insecticide applications—e.g., permethrin or pyrethroid formulations—target adult populations during peak activity periods. Personal protection includes wearing long sleeves, using repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and installing fine‑mesh screens to prevent entry into indoor spaces.