Ectoparasitic Lifestyles
Fleas are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of their host and feed on its blood. They are known to infest a variety of mammals and birds, causing irritation and discomfort due to their biting habits. Fleas have evolved to be highly specialized for parasitism, with adaptations such as strong mouthparts for piercing skin and sucking blood.
- Fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, which includes mammals and birds.
- They cause irritation through their bites, leading to allergic reactions in some animals.
- Fleas are adapted for parasitism with specialized mouthparts and legs.
Jumping Mechanism
Fleas possess a unique and powerful jumping mechanism that allows them to leap several inches high and long, which is essential for moving between hosts and escaping from infestations. Their hind legs are muscular and equipped with a special protein called resilin, which stores energy like a spring, enabling them to jump with incredible force and speed.
- Fleas can jump vertically over seven inches and horizontally up to thirteen inches.
- Their hind legs contain resilin, which helps store and release energy for jumping.
- This jumping ability aids in host detection and avoiding removal by groomers.
Disease Vectors
Beyond their parasitic feeding, fleas are known to be vectors of various diseases. They can transmit plague and typhus through their bites. Fleas become infected with these pathogens after feeding on infected hosts and can spread them to new hosts, making them significant players in historical disease outbreaks.
- Fleas can transmit diseases such as plague and typhus to humans and other animals.
- They spread diseases by biting infected hosts and thenæ–°bitting healthy ones.
- Their role in disease transmission has had major impacts on human history, including pandemics.