What does a rabbit flea look like? - briefly
A rabbit flea is a tiny, dark brown to reddish insect about 1–2 mm long, with a laterally flattened body, a narrow head, short antennae, and strong hind legs for jumping. Its convex abdomen is covered with fine hairs.
What does a rabbit flea look like? - in detail
Rabbit fleas are tiny, wing‑less insects measuring approximately 1.5–2 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally compressed, giving a flattened profile that facilitates movement through the host’s fur. The exoskeleton is a dull, reddish‑brown color, sometimes appearing slightly darker after a blood meal.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Head: Small, with prominent, bulging eyes and short antennae that are typically hidden beneath the pronotum.
- Thorax: Consists of a hardened pronotum that covers the head and extends over the first pair of legs. The thorax bears three pairs of legs, each ending in sharp claws adapted for gripping hair shafts.
- Abdomen: Elongated and segmented, the abdomen expands after feeding, often appearing engorged and more translucent. The dorsal surface bears fine, pale setae that give a slightly fuzzy texture.
The flea’s legs are adapted for rapid jumps; each leg is equipped with a row of spines that grip individual hairs. The hind legs are particularly robust, enabling leaps up to 100 times the insect’s body length. The overall silhouette is compact, with a streamlined shape that reduces resistance when moving through dense fur.