Fleas

Cediopsylla simplex

Cediopsylla simplex, the rabbit flea

Ctenocephalides felis

The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common flea of both dogs and cats. A new generation of fleas can hatch and begin producing eggs in as little as 3 weeks.

A close view of the genal ctenidia ('combs') of Ctenocephalides felis. Identification of different fleas is based primarily on ctenidia and ocular bristles.

A group of adult Ctenocephalides felis. Ctenocephalides felis serves as an intermediate host for Dipylidium caninum and also vectors several other disease agents.

A dog severely infested with Ctenocephalides felis as evidenced by the large amount of dried blood commonly referred to as “flea dirt” visible on the skin.

Pupae of Ctenocephalides felis

Echidnophaga gallinacea

The sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea) is most often found on domestic and wild birds. Occasionally this flea will infest cats and dogs. Note the characteristic angular head and compressed thorax.​

Adult sticktight fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea) on a Victorian pigeon. Adults burrow into the combs, wattles, and around the eyes of birds, feeding and laying their eggs into the dermis. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae fall out and develop in the environment.

Nosopsyllus fasciatus

Nosopsyllus fasciatus, the northern rat flea

Orchopeas howardii

​Orchopeas howardii, the squirrel flea

Pulex irritans

Pulex irritans is the human flea, but species of Pulex infest a wide range of wild and domestic animals. The ocular bristle is a key identifying feature of this genus.​

​Closeup of Pulex irritans highlighting the occular bristle which originates below the eye.

Xenopsylla cheopis

Xenopsylla cheopis, the Oriental rat flea is an important vector of Yersinia pestis, the agent of plague. Rats are the preferred host but Xenopsylla cheopis will infest numerous other animals include dogs, cats, and chickens.

Closeup of Xenopsylla cheopis highlighting the ocular bristle which originates in front of the eye.