69 Siphonaptera

Siphonaptera

Siphonaptera (“siphon” = “tube”), or fleas, consists of about 2400 species worldwide, with approximately 325 species found in North America. Adults all have sucking mouthparts and are parasitic on vertebrates. They are also laterally flattened and wingless to assist with moving through the hair or feathers of their hosts. Their hematophagous habits, and ability to feed on several hosts in sequence, make them important vectors of diseases for humans and other hosts. The larvae of fleas are vermiform, and do not live on the host. Most are detritivores, and are often found in or near nests, dens, and bedding areas.

Adult fleas have a very distinctive body shape, and are relatively easy to identify to order.