What do fleas look like on the body? - briefly
Fleas appear as tiny, dark, wing‑less insects roughly 1–3 mm long, moving rapidly through hair or skin folds. Their presence is marked by small black specks of digested blood and intense itching.
What do fleas look like on the body? - in detail
Fleas are small, laterally flattened insects measuring roughly 1 – 3 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, sometimes appearing mottled due to blood engorgement. The head is recessed beneath the thorax, giving the insect a smooth, streamlined profile. Six short, powerful legs end in comb‑like spines that enable rapid jumping and firm grip on hair or skin.
When feeding, a flea inserts its needle‑like proboscis into the skin to draw blood. The abdomen expands, often turning a brighter, reddish hue as it fills. After a meal, the insect may appear swollen and more translucent near the abdomen’s posterior end.
Typical locations on a human host include:
- Ankle and lower leg regions, especially around socks and shoes.
- Waistline, groin, and inner thigh where clothing creates a warm, moist environment.
- Hairy areas such as the scalp or beard, though less common.
Visible signs of infestation include:
- Tiny, moving specks that dart quickly when disturbed.
- Small, punctate bite marks surrounded by a red halo, often grouped in linear patterns.
- Presence of flea feces—dark, granular pellets resembling pepper—on clothing or bedding.
Detecting fleas relies on close visual inspection of skin and hair, aided by a bright light and magnification if available. Their rapid, erratic jumps and ability to hide in fabric fibers make thorough examination essential.