What do flying fleas look? - briefly
They are minute, dark brown insects about 1–3 mm long, with a compact, laterally compressed body and two transparent wings that cover the abdomen at rest. Their hind legs are elongated for jumping, while the wings allow brief, erratic flights.
What do flying fleas look? - in detail
Flying fleas are minute insects, typically measuring 1–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally flattened, giving a streamlined silhouette that facilitates rapid movement through fur or vegetation. The exoskeleton is smooth to the touch, usually dark brown to reddish‑brown, occasionally tinged with black or yellowish hues depending on species and developmental stage.
The head bears short, slender antennae composed of 10–12 segments; the basal segments are thicker, while the distal ones taper sharply. Compound eyes are small, positioned laterally, and provide a limited field of vision. Mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking, consisting of a stylet enclosed within a sheath that penetrates host skin to extract blood.
The thorax supports three pairs of legs. The fore‑ and middle legs are modest in size, while the hind legs are markedly enlarged, equipped with powerful femora and tibiae that enable jumps up to 100 times the insect’s body length. These legs end in tiny claws that grip hair or fur securely.
The abdomen comprises nine visible segments, each covered by a flexible cuticle that allows expansion during feeding. Spiracles are present on the lateral margins of several segments, permitting gas exchange while the insect remains attached to a host. The posterior end terminates in a short, bristled terminal segment that aids in anchorage.
Key visual characteristics can be summarized:
- Length: 1–3 mm, laterally compressed body
- Color: dark brown to reddish‑brown, occasional yellowish tones
- Antennae: 10–12 segmented, slender, tapering
- Eyes: small, lateral compound
- Legs: three pairs, hind legs enlarged for jumping
- Abdomen: nine flexible segments, expandable during blood intake
- Spiracles: lateral openings for respiration
- Terminal segment: short, bristled for attachment
These attributes collectively define the appearance of airborne fleas, distinguishing them from true winged insects and highlighting adaptations for ectoparasitic life.