What is white on fleas? - briefly
The white material seen on fleas is their eggs, which are tiny, oval, and translucent‑white and may appear attached to the host’s hair or in the surrounding environment.
What is white on fleas? - in detail
Fleas exhibit a distinct pale area that becomes visible when the insect is examined under magnification. This whiteness originates from several anatomical features:
- The cuticle of the abdomen is thin and semi‑transparent; light passing through gives it a milky appearance.
- The ventral surface of the thorax contains a band of lighter sclerotized tissue, often referred to as the “white stripe,” which contrasts with the darker dorsal plates.
- The genital plate in adult females is composed of a translucent membrane that appears white, especially after blood meals when the abdomen expands.
- Flea eggs are encased in a white, oval shell; clusters of these eggs are frequently observed on host fur or in the environment.
The color results from a lack of pigment in these cuticular regions, rather than from any external coating. Under natural lighting, the white zones are less conspicuous because they are partially covered by the insect’s dark setae and body posture. When fleas are collected and placed on a contrasting background, the pale sections become more apparent, aiding microscopic identification and differentiation from other ectoparasites.