Why Do Fleas Turn Black When They Die?
WouterThe question of why do fleas turn black when they die is frequently asked by pet owners. In fact, fleas have a very specific life cycle. Once they emerge from a pupal stage, they spend their entire lives feeding on a host. The most common way for fleas to reproduce is by jumping onto the body of a cat or dog. In addition, they can reproduce year-round in a heated home.
Adult fleas lay eggs and hatch into white worm-like larvae. These larvae are almost impossible to see because they are very small. After they hatch, they feed on dried blood, which turns them purple. As flea larvae grow, they move quickly into carpets and pet bedding. Once they are fully mature, they spin loose white silken cocoons and molt into white pupae. The pupae can remain in this state for weeks or months.
Flea eggs are oval-shaped, smooth and 1/64 of an inch long. The eggs hatch in 1.5 to six days, depending on the temperature. Flea eggs can be found in pet bedding, dog houses, and anywhere pets have been. Female fleas lay their eggs about 36 hours after the first blood meal. During this time, they consume fifteen times their body weight in blood.
Female fleas lay their eggs in the fur of their host. The eggs are small, about the size of a black pepper speck. The female flea can lay as many as 20 eggs at once and can lay as many as 500 eggs in her lifetime.
