What does a jumping louse look like? - briefly
A jumping louse is a tiny, wingless insect about 2–3 mm long with a flattened, elongated body, six legs ending in sharp claws, and a head bearing compound eyes and short antennae. Its color varies from pale tan to reddish‑brown, and the abdomen is broader and more rounded than that of typical chewing lice.
What does a jumping louse look like? - in detail
A jumping louse, commonly known as a flea, is a small, laterally compressed insect measuring 1 – 3 mm in length. Its body is divided into three distinct regions: head, thorax, and abdomen, each covered with a fine, silky exoskeleton that often appears dark brown to reddish‑black. The head bears short, bristle‑like antennae and powerful compound eyes that provide a wide field of vision. Mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood; a needle‑like proboscis extends from the ventral side of the head.
The thorax supports six muscular legs, each ending in a pair of enlarged, spiny ctenidia (jumping pads) that enable rapid, spring‑like propulsion. The legs are positioned low on the body, giving the insect a low profile that aids in moving through host fur. The abdomen contains a flexible, segmented exoskeleton with ventral spiracles for respiration and a dorsal arrangement of bristles that help detect vibrations.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: 1–3 mm, oval, laterally flattened.
- Color: dark brown to reddish‑black, sometimes with a lighter band near the abdomen.
- Head: short antennae, prominent eyes, needle‑like proboscis.
- Legs: six, with enlarged tibial spines (jumping pads) and hooked claws.
- Abdomen: segmented, covered with fine setae, ventral spiracles visible as tiny openings.
These traits distinguish the jumping louse from other ectoparasites such as head‑lice, which are larger, lack jumping adaptations, and have a more rounded body shape.