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=Head=
=Head=
The head holds the mouthparts, eyes and antennae of the flea. The eyes of the flea, when present, are little more than photosensitive spots either side of the head. As an adaptation to allow easy movement between the hairs or feathers of the host the fleas antennae are short and sunken into the head so as not to protrude.
The head holds the mouthparts, eyes and antennae of the flea. The eyes of the flea, when present, are little more than photosensitive spots either side of the head. As an adaptation to allow easy movement between the hairs or feathers of the host the fleas antennae are short and sunken into the head so as not to protrude. The head may also hold backwards facing '''ctenidia''' or combs that protrude ventrally from the head and are an adaptation to prevent their easy removal from the hairs and skin of the host
==Mouthparts==
==Mouthparts==
The mouthparts of the flea are adapted to piercing and sucking to enable feeding on the blood of the host. The most prominent feature are the well developed maxillary palps.
The mouthparts of the flea are adapted to piercing and sucking to enable feeding on the blood of the host. The most prominent feature are the well developed maxillary palps.
=Body=
The first section or '''pronotum''' of the body behind the head may hold further '''ctenidia''' to prevent easy removal.
=Legs=
=Legs=