What do brown fleas look like? - briefly
Brown fleas are tiny insects, typically 1–3 mm long, with a dark brown to reddish‑brown, matte exoskeleton and a laterally flattened body that facilitates movement through fur. Their legs are long and adapted for jumping, and their heads bear short, stout antennae.
What do brown fleas look like? - in detail
Brown fleas are small, laterally compressed insects typically measuring 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies exhibit a uniform brown coloration, ranging from light tan to dark chocolate, depending on species, age, and blood‑feeding status. The exoskeleton is covered with fine, recumbent setae that give a slightly matte appearance, while the dorsal surface may appear slightly glossy when hydrated.
Key morphological features include:
- Head: Rounded, equipped with short, stout antennae composed of 5–6 segments; the terminal segment bears sensory pit organs.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking stylets adapted for rapid blood extraction; the labrum and maxillae form a narrow canal.
- Thorax: Three fused segments bearing six jointed legs; each leg ends in a pair of stout claws and a comb‑like structure (genal and pronotal combs) used for attachment to host hair.
- Abdomen: Ten visible segments, each with dorsal tergites bearing microscopic setae; the posterior end terminates in a short, tapered abdomen with a pair of genitalia in males and an ovipositor in females.
- Color variation: Newly emerged (unfed) fleas appear paler, while engorged individuals darken considerably after a blood meal, sometimes acquiring a reddish hue.
The overall silhouette is oval, with a flattened side profile that facilitates movement through the host’s fur. When viewed under magnification, the brown pigmentation is consistent across the cuticle, lacking distinct patterning or spots. This uniform coloration aids in camouflage within the host’s coat, reducing detection by grooming behaviors.