What does a flea look like from above? - briefly
From a top view a flea is a minute, flattened oval about 1–3 mm in length, dark brown to reddish in color, with its long hind legs splayed outward like tiny levers.
What does a flea look like from above? - in detail
A flea observed from a dorsal perspective appears as a tiny, laterally compressed organism, typically 1.5–3 mm long. The body is divided into three main regions: head, thorax, and abdomen, each clearly demarcated by shallow sutures.
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Head: occupies the anterior third, bearing a pair of short, elbowed antennae that emerge from deep pits. Compound eyes are positioned laterally, giving a wide field of view. Mouthparts form a piercing‑sucking stylet, concealed beneath a small labrum.
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Thorax: central segment supports six powerful legs. From above, each leg appears as a slender, articulated appendage ending in a hook‑shaped claw. The forelegs are slightly shorter than the hind legs, reflecting their role in jumping. The thoracic dorsal plate (pronotum) is smooth, often bearing a faint median line.
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Abdomen: comprises the posterior two‑thirds, segmented into nine visible tergites. The dorsal surface is convex, covered by a hardened exoskeleton with a glossy, reddish‑brown to dark brown coloration. Fine setae may be seen as tiny specks along the tergites.
The overall silhouette is oval, tapering toward the head, with a slightly flattened dorsal profile that aids movement through host fur. The exoskeleton’s chitinous cuticle provides a glossy sheen, while the arrangement of legs and claws gives the impression of a compact, spring‑loaded device ready for rapid propulsion.