What does a forest flea look like? - briefly
A forest flea is a tiny, reddish‑brown insect about 1–2 mm long, with an elongated, flattened body and long hind legs adapted for jumping. Its antennae are short and segmented, and the wings, if present, are reduced or absent.
What does a forest flea look like? - in detail
The forest flea is a minute, laterally compressed insect measuring between 1.5 mm and 3 mm in length. Its body is divided into three distinct regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head bears short, serrated antennae consisting of 5–6 segments, each ending in a small sensory club. Prominent, comb-like structures called genal and pronotal ctenidia line the margins of the head and prothorax, providing a diagnostic feature that distinguishes it from other ectoparasites.
The thorax supports six legs, each ending in a pair of stout, hook‑shaped tarsal claws that enable the flea to grasp hair shafts and fur. Leg segments are slender, with the femora slightly enlarged relative to the tibiae. The abdomen is convex, covered with dense, microscopic setae that give a velvety appearance. Coloration ranges from dark brown to nearly black, with occasional reddish‑brown tones on the ventral surface.
Key morphological details include:
- Body shape: flattened laterally, facilitating movement through dense vegetation and host fur.
- Surface texture: fine setae and combs that reduce friction and aid in attachment.
- Mouthparts: elongated, piercing‑sucking stylet capable of penetrating the skin of small mammals and birds.
- Wings: absent; the species is wingless throughout its life cycle.
These characteristics enable the forest flea to thrive in humid, leaf‑laden habitats, where it remains concealed among mosses and leaf litter until it encounters a suitable host.