What do fleas look like on a hedgehog? - briefly
Fleas on a hedgehog are tiny, dark, oval insects, typically 1–3 mm long, that move among the animal’s spines. Their wing‑less, flattened bodies allow them to navigate the quill‑covered surface efficiently.
What do fleas look like on a hedgehog? - in detail
Fleas on a hedgehog are minute, laterally flattened insects, typically measuring 2–4 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, with a hard exoskeleton that gives a glossy sheen. The head is concealed beneath a short, broad pronotum, making the eyes difficult to discern. Six legs end in tiny clawed tarsi, allowing the parasite to grip the hedgehog’s spines and skin.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Body shape: Oval, compact, and flattened to navigate between the animal’s quills.
- Coloration: Uniform dark hue; occasional lighter bands may appear on the abdomen in some species.
- Movement: Quick, erratic jumps when disturbed; they may fall off the host and become airborne.
- Location on host: Concentrated around the neck, base of the spine, and under the belly where the skin is less protected.
When a hedgehog is heavily infested, clusters of fleas become visible as tiny moving specks amidst the spines. The infestation may cause the animal’s fur to appear uneven, with occasional small, reddish puncture marks where fleas have fed. Microscopic examination reveals the flea’s segmented abdomen, composed of 13 visible tergites, each bearing fine setae that give a slightly fuzzy outline.
Overall, the parasite’s small size, dark coloration, flattened profile, and rapid jumping behavior constitute its distinctive appearance on a hedgehog.