Cat Fleas
Order: Siphonaptera
Family: Pulicidae
Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides
felis (Bouche)
The cat flea is the most common flea species encountered throughout the United States. Fleas may threaten the health of the host by serving as disease vectors or by participating as intermediate hosts of other parasites, such as tapeworms. Adult flea bites may also induce skin reactions such as welts, causing discomfort.
Biology and Habits
Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis. The eggs are white, oval, and about 1/40 inch long. Although the eggs are deposited on the host, they soon dislodge, landing on surrounding surfaces such as carpeting or pet bedding. Upon egg hatch, whitish, legless larvae emerge. A row of long spines is present on each body segment, a useful identifying characteristic of the immature flea.
Larvae feed on nutrients available in the environment including undigested blood excreted from feeding adults. Recent studies have indicated that these larvae will not travel far from the original site of egg hatch. The mature larva molts into a prepupal stage. The developing pupa then constructs a protective cocoon.
After molting, the pre-emergent adult may remain inside the cocoon for an extended period of time (up to 140 days) until signaled to emerge by environmental cues such as direct pressure on the cocoon, vibration, increased temperature, and possibly increased concentrations of carbon dioxide.
The dark body of the adult flea is flat from side to side and may be distinguished from other flea species by the genal combs, hardened projections on the cheek region of the head. The femur of the hind legs is greatly enlarged, enabling the adult to spring from the ground to intercept a suitable host, commonly cats, dogs, opossums, raccoons, humans and rats.
The complete indoor life cycle from egg to adult may range from 16 days to 20 months. Temperature, humidity, nutrient availability, and host behavior greatly influence the survivability of the cat flea.
(Courtesy of the National Pest Control Association.)