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'''2. Eggs'''
'''2. Eggs'''
The adult usually lays eggs each day after locating a host, producing around 15 eggs per day.
The eggs are ivory white, oval and approxiamtely 0.5mm long. The eggs drop to the ground within hours
In reality this usually happens when the animal makes sudden movements. Flea eggs will therefore cluster in these '''hot spots''' around the house. These areas should be paid particular attention when treating the environment in the case of a flea infestation.
'''3. Larvae'''
'''3. Larvae'''
The larvae are small, at around 2-5mm in length. Larvae are yellow/white (look like maggots) and are covered in bristles. They have chitinous mouthparts and anal struts which can be used for identification. The 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 often needed for survival, and freezing temperatures will kill larvae.
'''4. Pupae'''
'''4. Pupae'''
The larvae pupate forming pupae around 5mm in length. A silken cocoon surrounds the pupae, which is slightly sticky so small particles adhere to it. These quickly become camouflaged in the environment. Methoprene, the juvenile development hormone coordinates the growth of the immature stages, and activates genetic switches, determining the sequence of tissue and organ development.
Newly developed adults do not leave the cocoon straight away. The '''pupal window''' is the time that it takes for the adult to emerge. Temperature is a large factor in determining when the adult fleas emerge. Some fleas may wait several months before emerging
Newly emerged unfed adults can survive days without feeding but once they have fed, if they fall off the host they can only survive a few hours[[Category:Fleas|B]].
[[Category:To_Do_-_Max]]
[[Category:To_Do_-_Max]]