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Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts and vectors.
Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts and vectors.
The terms '''ctenidia''' and '''combs''' can be used interchangably for spines on the head/thorax. Spines on the cheeks are referred to as '''genal''' and spines on the thorax are called '''pronotal''' combs. The presence and location of the chitinous spines are important in differentiating between the different flea species.
The terms '''ctenidia''' and '''combs''' can be used interchangably for spines on the head/thorax. Spines on the cheeks are referred to as '''genal''' and spines on the thorax are called '''pronotal''' combs. The presence and location of the chitinous spines are important in differentiating between the different flea species. The chitinous anal struts are also used for identification and help the flea larvae with vigorous motility.
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
'''1. The adult'''
'''1. The adult'''
*Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host
*Uses changes in light intensity, warmth and carbon dioxide to locate host
*The life span of the flea is determined by the grooming activity of the host
*The life span of the flea is determined by the grooming activity of the host
**Usually the adult flea lives for between 7 and 10 days
**Usually the adult flea lives for between 7 and 10 days
'''2. Eggs'''
*The adults lay eggs 1-2 days after locating a host
*Approximately 15 eggs are layed in the pelage (coat) per day
*Eggs are ivory white and oval, approxiamtely 0.5mm long
*The eggs drop to the ground within hours
**In reality this usually happens when the animal jumps of the sofa or makes sudden movements. Flea eggs will cluster in hot spots around the house particularly in places the animal often rests in and this should be considered when control methods are thought about.
'''3. Larvae'''
*Larvae are small, about 2-5mm in length
*Larvae are yellow/white (look like maggots) and are covered in bristles
*Chitinous mouthparts and anal struts (useful for identification)
*Larvae are negatively phototropic so try to move away from light sources
**E.g. under furniture, into thick mats or carpet
*Larvae feed on skin debris from other animals, flea dirt and other organic debris
*High humidity is needed to survive
*Freezing temperatures will kill larvae
'''4. Pupae'''
==Habitats==
==Habitats==