FLEAS

CAT FLEA (Ctenocephalides Felis)

Biology

• Larvae are approximately ¼ inch long and adults are approximately ⅛ inch long.
• Antennae are short and have 3 segments.
• Long legs used for jumping
• Wingless
• Laterally flattened body, backward pointing spines and bristles assist in flea travel through hair.

Distribution/Habits

• Distributed worldwide
• Females requires blood meal from a host to develop eggs.
• Eggs are normally found where pets sleep or frequent.
• Expect a second hatching of pre-emerged adults from cocoons after treatment; normally this interval is 10-21 days or longer.

DOG FLEA (Ctenocephalides canis)

Biology

• Length: 1/8 inch
• Wingless
• Reddish brown in color
• Adults appear flattened from side to side (like most adult fleas).
• The body parts are segmented and covered with numerous spines and bristles pointed backward. These spines aid in movement through animal hair.
• They have claws on the tips of their 6 legs to enable them to remain on a host even while the host is scratching.
• Antennae are short and have 3 segments.
• Needle-like mouth parts are inserted into a host for blood feeding.
• Natural rubber, resilin, pads their hind legs, enabling them to jump from 14-16 inches.
• Complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
• The identifying characteristic that separates the dog flea from the cat flea is the presence of two notches and spines on the hind tibia of the dog flea.

Distribution/Habits

• Found on dogs and rabbits, rarely on cats
• Primarily a nuisance to homeowners, they infest pet dogs causing them to scratch and shake vigorously.
• They often bite humans if the primary host is unavailable.
• If the host leaves the home, pre-emerged adults reside in cocoons until the host returns.
• Larval stage eats organic debris left in animal beds.