What is the scientific name for dog fleas? - briefly
The dog flea is classified as «Ctenocephalides canis». It is a member of the order Siphonaptera, the true fleas.
What is the scientific name for dog fleas? - in detail
The flea that primarily parasitizes dogs bears the taxonomic designation «Ctenocephalides canis». This species belongs to the order Siphonaptera, family Pulicidae, and is distinguished from other members of the genus by specific morphological traits.
Classification hierarchy:
- Order: Siphonaptera
- Family: Pulicidae
- Genus: Ctenocephalides
- Species: canis
Adult specimens measure 2–4 mm in length, possess a laterally compressed body, and exhibit a dark brown coloration. The head is reduced, with genal and pronotal combs (ctenidia) arranged in a characteristic pattern that aids identification. Legs are adapted for jumping, featuring strong musculature and a resilin pad that stores elastic energy.
The life cycle comprises egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay 20–50 eggs on the host or nearby environment within 24 hours after feeding. Eggs hatch in 2–5 days, releasing larvae that feed on organic debris and adult flea excrement. Larvae spin cocoons in which pupation occurs; emergence of the adult is triggered by host-generated stimuli such as carbon dioxide, heat, and vibrations. The complete cycle may finish in 2–3 weeks under optimal conditions.
Geographic distribution includes temperate and tropical regions worldwide, with prevalence highest in areas where domestic dogs are abundant. Host specificity is strong, although occasional infestations of other mammals have been documented.
Differentiation from the cat flea («Ctenocephalides felis») relies on the arrangement of the pronotal and genal combs: the dog flea’s genal comb consists of 4–6 spines, whereas the cat flea typically shows 5–6, and the spacing of pronotal spines is slightly wider in «C. canis». Accurate identification supports targeted control measures and reduces cross‑species transmission risk.