The Human Flea (Pulex irritans) is flea species with a wide host spectrum despite its name. The species is thought to have originated in South America, and its original host may have been a guinea pig or peccary. The Human Flea has a four-part lifecycle: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. They are a pest species to their hosts, and bites from the insects cause an itching sensation that result in scratching by the host. They cause the skin to raise, swell, and itch, and bites will often appear in clusters or small rows, and they can remain inflamed for up to several weeks.
The Human Flea has an overall body length between .1”-.16” (2.5-4 mm), body width of .04”-.06” (.9-1.4 mm), and body height of .043”-.07” (1.1-1.8 mm). The typical lifespan of the Human Flea is between 14-16 days.
The Human Flea (Pulex irritans) is flea species with a wide host spectrum despite its name. The species is thought to have originated in South America, and its original host may have been a guinea pig or peccary. The Human Flea has a four-part lifecycle: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. They are a pest species to their hosts, and bites from the insects cause an itching sensation that result in scratching by the host. They cause the skin to raise, swell, and itch, and bites will often appear in clusters or small rows, and they can remain inflamed for up to several weeks.
The Human Flea has an overall body length between .1”-.16” (2.5-4 mm), body width of .04”-.06” (.9-1.4 mm), and body height of .043”-.07” (1.1-1.8 mm). The typical lifespan of the Human Flea is between 14-16 days.