How High Does Fleas Jump?
WouterScientists have questioned how high fleas jump, but recent research has put this question to rest. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have used high-speed cameras to study how fleas jump. They also used an electron microscope to examine the movement of the fleas’ legs. They found that fleas typically rest their knees on the floor before jumping.
Fleas can jump as high as 30 cm, which is quite impressive for such a small creature. They do so by using an elastic protein called resilin to catapult themselves into the air. This protein then stores energy and releases it when it recoils. This helps them leap incredible distances with just a single spring. The researchers are hopeful that their discovery will help them understand the mechanism behind flea jumping.
Fleas aren’t very tall, but their agility allows them to jump several feet in a matter of seconds. The elastomeric protein resilin is similar to an elastic pad that extends and contracts when the flea jumps. Its elasticity allows the flea to exert up to 100 times more force than it could with its muscle alone. Fleas are also able to catapult themselves off a flat surface in an instant.
Fleas do not have wings, but their back legs are very strong and allow them to jump high. Some species of fleas are able to jump as high as 20 inches, while others are able to leap just a fraction of an inch. The biggest problem with fleas is that they can cause a lot of harm if they are not treated properly. This is why you should check your pets regularly and use flea sprays and traps.
