Fleas are small, wingless, laterally compressed blood sucking insects. Most fleas are mammalian ectoparasites but a few parasitize birds. About 2400 species are known. Like most parasites, fleas are highly derived and specialized. The mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking and mandibles are lacking. The cuticle is sclerotized and hard and the entire body surface is protected by sclerites.
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- Fleas (Siphonaptera) Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences (St.Petersburg, Russia) presents information on morphology, biology, distribution and importance of fleas (Class Insecta: Order Siphonaptera).
- Introduction to the Siphonaptera A brief introduction to fleas by UCMP Berkeley, with photograph.
- Insect Insights: Flea Circus Photographic study by Dave Walker of these insects.
- Siphonaptera: Fleas The characteristics of these wingless insects, their life cycle, feeding and habitat, with illustrations.
- Ctenocephalides felis Several photographs of the cat flea, its larvae and pupae. Click to enlarge.
- Ctenocephalides canis Photographs of the dog flea. Click to enlarge.
- Pulex irritans Photograph of the human flea with its identifying features. Click to enlarge.
- Xenopsylla brasiliensis Photograph of this flea. Click to enlarge.
- Tunga penetrans Photograph of the sand flea or chigger, with its identifying features. Click to enlarge.
- Fleas This article describes these pests, their biology, importance and control measures.
- Flea Circus Research Library Flea Circuses and performing fleas in history, film and fiction. Including a directory of real and "humbug" flea circus performers.
- Ctenocephalides felis: Cat Fleas Research project by Hoi King Kwong on these parasites including their classification, morphology, habitat, reproduction, adaptations, nutrition and interactions with other species.
- Fleas Article by P.G. Koehler about flea biology with photographs and information on their control.
- Cat Flea Popular article about fleas, their evolution and life cycle, and the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis, its host finding and control.
- Ctenocephalides felis: Cat Flea Photographs and a description of this flea, its distribution, life cycle, medical and economic significance and management.
- Flea Scanning digital micrograph.
- Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans: Cat Flea and Human Flea Photograph of a flea, with information on its hosts, life cycle and description.