19
FLEAS
These little wingless insects, tormentors of your pet cat or
dog (or you), are perfectly designed. Powerful hind limbs
launch them onto a host, and needle-like mouthparts stab
the skin to release blood. Like lice, fleas need their hosts.
Hatched adults only live for a few days without feeding, so
they snuggle in tight, and their slim, armor-plated bodies
are almost impossible to dislodge or crush.
CAT FLEA
CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS
Lifespan: one month or more,
depending on conditions
Size: 0.03–0.07 inches
(0.8–1.8 mm)
ANIMAL HOSTS
Rodents, rabbits, hoofed
mammals, bats, birds…
many different animals
can be carriers of fleas.
SLIPPERY MOVES
Some fleas are
self-lubricating. Pores
in the body release
an oily material that
helps them slip quickly
through fur.
