Do Fleas Have Wings?
WouterA common question that plagues pet owners everywhere is “Do fleas have wings?” Well, as a matter of fact, fleas do not have wings. They are a kind of cross between a lobster and an insect, but instead of wings, they have six strong legs for jumping and short distance crawling. Fleas are attracted to fur and jump onto dogs and cats.
Fleas have wingless bodies and can jump up to seven inches in the air. This makes them the second highest jumpers after frogs. While fleas don’t have wings, their long legs enable them to jump over long distances. They also have three pairs of legs, with the back pair modified for jumping.
Fleas live for two years and lay up to 1500 eggs. They are extremely tiny, measuring about one millimeter across when fully grown. They are dark reddish brown or black in color, and have flat bodies, allowing them to move easily through the hair of a host animal. If they don’t find a blood meal, they remain in pupa form throughout the winter.
Fleas are a major nuisance for pet owners and need to be controlled. Fleas are particularly susceptible to homes with pets, especially those that spend a lot of time outdoors. They are attracted to moist, shaded areas, and can multiply very rapidly. Flea control requires treating both the pets and the premises where they live. It is best to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
