How High Can Cat Fleas Jump?
WouterThe answer to the question, “How high can cat fleas jump?” is not a simple one. Fleas have exoskeletons and resilin pads that allow them to jump. Because the exoskeletons provide structural support, they can jump at a fast speed. However, a flea of human size would probably not be able to jump much higher than normal-sized fleas. In general, animals with similar body plans tend to jump at about the same height.
Although cat fleas are tiny flightless insects, they can jump at a high speed. They measure under an inch at their longest length, and their body weight ranges between 1.5 and 3.5 ounces. While their average jumping distance is eight inches, some can reach as high as 19 inches, which is roughly equivalent to jumping over a 30 story building.
This amazing athletic ability of fleas has long been a mystery to scientists. They must generate huge amounts of power to jump such a distance. But recent research from the University of Cambridge has provided insight into the mechanism behind this remarkable feat. Researchers were able to capture footage of fleas jumping, and analysed the stills from the film. This provided valuable new information about flea flight and the role of the resilin pad in fleas’ ability to jump.
Fleas do not like light, so when they are disturbed, they will leave the area where they were laying their eggs. The eggs usually hatch within a week, and the flea larvae will develop. The larvae live in carpets, cracks in hardwood floors, and moist areas. The next stage in the life cycle is the pupa stage, which is when the adult fleas will emerge. This stage lasts anywhere from three to six weeks.
