Description

  • Metamorphosis: complete (egg to larva to pupa to adult).
  • Immature: larvae white, cylindrical, legless, with long hairs on thorax and abdomen
  • Adult: sucking mouthparts, no wings, minute size.

Habitat

Fleas are important ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Some species are important vectors of plague and other diseases.

Classification and Groups

7 families and 250 species in North America.
At least 2,000 species worldwide.

Medically Important Families:

  • Ceratophyllidae - mainly associated with rodents
  • Leptopsyllidae
  • Pulicidae - several species of human pests
  • Tungidae - chigoe fleas

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