What does a flea look? - briefly
A flea is a tiny, wingless insect measuring 1–3 mm, laterally flattened, with a hard dark‑brown to reddish‑black exoskeleton and exceptionally long hind legs that enable powerful jumps. Its body is covered in fine hairs and it possesses short antennae and a streamlined shape for moving through host fur.
What does a flea look? - in detail
Fleas are small, laterally compressed insects measuring 1.5–3.3 mm in length. Their bodies consist of three main regions: head, thorax, and abdomen, each covered by a hard, chitinous exoskeleton that provides protection and reduces water loss.
The head bears a pair of large, compound eyes that dominate the dorsal surface, and short, bristle‑like antennae hidden beneath the eyes. Mouthparts form a piercing‑sucking stylet, adapted for penetrating host skin and drawing blood.
The thorax supports six legs, each ending in a pair of sharp, curved spines that enable rapid jumping. Legs are elongated relative to body width, contributing to the flea’s ability to leap up to 100 times its own body length. The tarsi bear comb‑like structures called ctenidia, which anchor the insect to host fur or feathers.
The abdomen is segmented, visibly swollen after a blood meal, and terminates in a short, tapered abdomen tip. Color varies from reddish‑brown to dark brown, often becoming paler after feeding. The surface is covered with microscopic spines that create a rough texture, aiding in movement through host hair.
Key physical traits:
- Length: 1.5–3.3 mm; width: 0.5 mm.
- Laterally flattened body.
- Large compound eyes, concealed antennae.
- Piercing‑sucking mouthparts.
- Six powerful legs with spines and ctenidia.
- Dark, reddish‑brown exoskeleton, paler after engorgement.
These characteristics enable fleas to locate hosts, attach securely, and perform extraordinary jumps despite their diminutive size.