What do animal fleas feed on? - briefly
Fleas are hematophagous parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They pierce the host’s skin to ingest plasma and red blood cells.
What do animal fleas feed on? - in detail
Animal fleas are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites. Their mouthparts, adapted into a piercing‑sucking stylet, penetrate the host’s skin to access blood vessels. The ingested blood supplies all essential nutrients for adult survival and reproduction.
Adult feeding behavior includes:
- Rapid acquisition of a blood meal, typically within a few minutes.
- Preference for warm‑blooded mammals; some species specialize on specific hosts such as dogs, cats, rodents, or livestock.
- Detection of host cues—heat, carbon‑dioxide, movement, and scent—guiding the flea toward a suitable feeding site.
Nutrient composition of the blood meal:
- Proteins and amino acids required for egg development.
- Lipids providing energy reserves.
- Iron and other trace elements supporting metabolic processes.
Life‑stage nutrition differs:
- Larvae do not feed on blood; they consume organic debris, dried adult excrement, and fungal spores present in the environment.
- Pupae rely on stored reserves accumulated during the larval stage until emergence.
Feeding frequency varies with species and environmental conditions. Some fleas may ingest multiple small meals, while others obtain a single large meal sufficient for egg production before seeking a new host.
Physiological adaptations:
- Anticoagulant saliva containing compounds such as apyrase and anticoagulin prevents clotting, facilitating uninterrupted blood flow.
- Midgut enzymes break down hemoglobin and other blood components, allowing efficient absorption.
Overall, the diet of these ectoparasites is exclusively blood for adults, with larvae sustained by detritus and microbial matter, enabling the complete life cycle from egg to adult.