What do domestic fleas look like? - briefly
Domestic fleas are tiny, wingless insects measuring roughly 1–3 mm in length, with a laterally compressed, reddish‑brown body and exceptionally long hind legs adapted for jumping. Their exoskeleton bears fine spines, and each foot ends in a comb‑like claw that grips the host’s fur.
What do domestic fleas look like? - in detail
Domestic fleas are tiny, wingless insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally compressed, giving a narrow, flattened profile that facilitates movement through animal fur. The exoskeleton is covered with fine, reddish‑brown scales that impart a dull, mottled coloration; after a blood meal, the abdomen expands and the overall hue may appear darker due to engorgement.
The head bears large, multifaceted eyes and short, antennae composed of 12 segments. Mouthparts form a piercing‑sucking proboscis, adapted for extracting blood from the host’s skin. The thorax supports six legs, each ending in a pair of spines that enable the flea to cling firmly to hair shafts. Hind legs are elongated and equipped with powerful jumping muscles, allowing leaps up to 150 times the insect’s body length.
Abdominal segments are flexible, allowing the flea to swell after feeding. The dorsal surface exhibits rows of tiny, backward‑facing bristles (setae) that aid in locomotion through dense fur. Ventral plates (sternites) are smooth, reducing friction against the host’s skin.
In the adult stage, coloration varies slightly among species: the common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) typically appears brownish‑gray, while the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) may show a lighter, tan shade. Both share the characteristic laterally compressed body and spiny legs.
The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are oval, about 0.5 mm, and translucent. Larvae are slender, whitish, and lack legs, bearing a dark head capsule. Pupae form a protective cocoon that can remain dormant until stimulated by host vibrations or carbon‑dioxide. Only the adult stage possesses the described morphology and the capacity to bite.