Fleas are small, wingless insects, typically dark red to brownish-black, with a flattened body shape
. Adult fleas are around 2.5 mm to 4 mm long
. Their flat bodies and backward-pointing bristles allow them to move easily through fur and stay attached to a host
. Identifying Features:
- Size Adult fleas are about 1/16 to 1/8 inches long, similar to the size of a sesame seed
- Color Fleas range from reddish-brown to black, potentially appearing darker after feeding
- Shape They have a flat, narrow body
- Legs Fleas have six legs, with strong hind legs that allow them to jump up to 7 inches high or 13 inches across a flat surface
- Wings Fleas do not have wings
- Other Fleas possess mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood
. They also have flexible spines that lock into animal fur
Fleas go through four life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult
. Flea eggs are minuscule, oval-shaped, and translucent, resembling dandruff flakes or salt
. Flea larvae look like small, translucent worms or maggots
