What do fleas look like on animals? - briefly
Fleas are tiny, dark brown to reddish insects measuring 1–3 mm, laterally flattened and wingless. On a host they appear as fast‑moving specks within the fur or skin, commonly near the tail base, neck, or groin.
What do fleas look like on animals? - in detail
Fleas are tiny, laterally flattened insects that measure 1–4 mm in length when fully grown. Their bodies are deep‑brown to reddish‑black, sometimes with lighter bands on the abdomen. The head is small and concealed beneath the thorax, giving the impression of a smooth, elongated oval. Six strong, spiny legs end in tiny claws that grip fur or feathers, allowing rapid jumps of up to 150 times their body length.
On mammals, fleas are most often found in dense, warm regions where they can hide from grooming. Typical locations include:
- The base of the tail and surrounding skin
- The neck and shoulder blades
- The groin and inner thighs
- Around the ears and under the jaw
These areas provide shelter and a constant blood supply. On birds, fleas tend to concentrate around the vent, under the wings, and in the plumage close to the skin.
The insect’s exoskeleton is smooth and glossy, reflecting light and giving a slightly shiny appearance. When a flea is alive, it moves in a characteristic hopping motion; the abdomen may appear slightly distended after a blood meal, turning a paler color due to the ingested fluid. After feeding, the flea’s body can swell up to twice its original size, making it more visible against the host’s coat.
Flea larvae differ markedly from adults. They are slender, white, and lack legs, residing in the host’s environment (bedding, soil, or nest) rather than on the animal itself. Only the adult stage is observed crawling or jumping on the host.
Identifying fleas involves noting their size, dark coloration, laterally compressed shape, and the presence of jumping legs. Their position on the animal’s body, especially in protected, warm zones, further confirms their presence.