Changes

'''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.

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.

The larvae pupate, forming pupae around 5mm in length.  A silk 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 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