Fleas

Latin Name:

Order Siphonaptera

Appearance:

Small, wingless, about 1/12- to 1/6-inch long. Covered in spines with piercing mouthparts.

Habit:

A parasite that attaches to a host.

Diet:

Larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult fleas, which contain undigested blood.

Reproduction:

Eggs are not attached to the host. Eggs will hatch on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding, upholstery or cracks in the floor. Most hatch within seven to forteen days.

Other:

Powerful legs enable them to jump seven to eight inches vertically, and 14 to 16 inches horizontally. Carrier of parasites and disease organisms to human and animal hosts.