What do black fleas look like? - briefly
Black fleas are minute, dark‑brown to jet‑black insects about 1–3 mm long, with a laterally flattened, oval body covered by a hard, glossy exoskeleton and six short legs. They have a stout, pointed head and lack wings, giving them a compact, beetle‑like silhouette.
What do black fleas look like? - in detail
Black‑colored fleas are small, laterally compressed insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their exoskeleton is glossy and ranges from deep mahogany to almost jet black, often appearing slightly iridescent under light. The body consists of three distinct regions—head, thorax, and abdomen—each covered by a smooth, hardened cuticle.
Key morphological features include:
- Head: Small, rounded, bearing a pair of short, bristle‑like antennae that are typically concealed beneath the head capsule. Compound eyes are reduced, appearing as tiny dark spots.
- Thorax: Bears six jointed legs, each ending in a pair of clawed tarsal segments adapted for gripping host hair or feathers. The legs are slender, dark, and may show faint pale bands near the joints.
- Abdomen: Elongated and slightly oval, composed of ten visible segments. The dorsal surface is uniformly dark, while the ventral side may display a lighter, pale‑grayish hue. Fine setae cover the abdomen, giving it a velvety texture.
- Spiracles: Small, circular openings located laterally on several abdominal segments, appearing as tiny dark pits.
The flea’s body is highly flexible, allowing it to navigate through dense fur or plumage. When at rest, the insect assumes a flattened posture, making the dark coloration less conspicuous. Under magnification, the surface shows a pattern of minute punctures and ridges that contribute to its overall sheen. These characteristics collectively define the visual profile of a black flea.