Siphonaptera - Fleas

There are around 2,300 species in this order, and around 300 species are found in North America. The tiny species in this order are wingless. They have very short antennae, sucking mouth parts, and laterally flattened bodies. They lack the compound eyes found in most insects. Their powerful hind legs let them jump great distances, for a flea!

Most species are parasites and live on mammals or birds, where they feed on blood. Unlike lice, fleas don't spend all their time on their animal host and can go for months without eating. Flea larvae don't live on an animal host. They are usually found in the nest or the bedding of the host animal where they feed on debris. Many species of flea transmit diseases to humans and animals.