What Family Do Fleas Belong To?
WouterFleas are classified into two families, the Ischnopsyllidae and Leptopsyllidae. These families differ in their appearance, but they share characteristics, such as a squamulum. The aedeagus of these fleas is strongly elongated. They also have a separate satellite sclerite.
Fleas belong to the Siphonaptera order of insects. Their name is derived from the Latin word sphona, which means “tube.” They are wingless, which is good for their overall survival. Their main purpose is to feed on the blood of animals, including humans and pets. However, unlike other insect groups, fleas have no preference for a particular host species.
Fleas are important vectors of disease. Oriental rat fleas, for example, are the chief transmitters of bubonic plague. They also transmit Rickettsia typhi and murine typhus virus. Fleas also serve as intermediate hosts of tapeworms.
The body of a flea is ovate and has 10 abdominal segments. Its male counterparts have modified tergites and claspers on their abdomens. They feed on mice and rats. They are part of the Macroscelidea. They have been known since the Eocene-Miocene era.
Fleas are parasitic in many species of mammals, although monkeys and apes are not considered to be hosts for these parasites. However, the most prevalent mammals infested with fleas are rodents, which usually live in burrows. Their females lay eggs continuously while they are on their host. The eggs are then deposited on the sleeping area of the host.
