What do red fleas look like? - briefly
Red fleas are tiny insects, 1–3 mm long, with a dark body tinged reddish on the abdomen and legs, and a laterally flattened shape. They possess short, comb‑like claws that enable powerful jumps.
What do red fleas look like? - in detail
Red fleas are small, laterally flattened insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies exhibit a vivid reddish hue that ranges from bright scarlet to deep rust, depending on age and environmental factors. The exoskeleton is smooth and glossy, lacking the darker pigmentation typical of many common flea species.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Head: Protruding, with large compound eyes that appear dark against the red background; short, bristle‑covered antennae extend forward.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking stylets positioned ventrally, adapted for blood feeding; the proboscis is slender and slightly darker than the surrounding cuticle.
- Thorax: Four pairs of long, slender legs, each ending in a pair of comb‑like spines (genal and pulvilli) that enable rapid jumps; the legs are reddish‑brown, slightly lighter than the abdomen.
- Abdomen: Segmented, slightly broader than the thorax, retaining the overall red coloration; the dorsal surface may display faint, pale marginal lines marking each segment.
- Wings: Absent; the species is wingless, relying on powerful hind legs for locomotion.
The coloration serves as a warning signal to potential predators, indicating the presence of toxic compounds acquired from host blood. When alive, red fleas may appear to shimmer under light due to the reflective quality of their cuticle. Dead specimens often retain their color for several weeks before fading to a paler, brownish tone.