What do fleas look like in hair? - briefly
Fleas appear as tiny, dark brown insects about 1–3 mm long, with laterally flattened bodies and strong hind legs that enable rapid jumping through hair. They move quickly, often resembling specks that dart and disappear.
What do fleas look like in hair? - in detail
Fleas that infest human hair are minute, laterally flattened insects measuring 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, with a hard exoskeleton that gives a glossy sheen. The head is small, positioned near the thorax, and the antennae are short and concealed beneath the head capsule. Six legs end in tiny claws adapted for grasping hair shafts; the hind legs are larger, enabling rapid jumping.
Key visual cues include:
- Movement: Fleas move in a jerky, hopping manner, often disappearing after a brief burst of activity.
- Location: They tend to congregate near the scalp, especially in warm, moist areas such as behind the ears, at the nape, and around the hairline.
- Eggs and feces: Flea eggs appear as tiny white specks attached to hair strands; fecal spots are small, dark specks that may be mistaken for dandruff.
Differentiation from other ectoparasites:
- Lice: Lice are elongated, grayish‑white, and crawl rather than jump. Their bodies are flatter but lack the powerful hind legs of fleas.
- Mites: Mites are microscopic (less than 0.5 mm) and usually invisible to the naked eye, whereas fleas are readily seen without magnification.
When examining hair under adequate lighting, the combination of size, coloration, jumping behavior, and characteristic placement distinguishes fleas from other hair‑dwelling organisms. Detecting these traits early aids in prompt treatment and prevents secondary skin irritation.