Pulex irritans

SPECIES: Pulex irritans ( order Siphonaptera)

COMMON NAME: Human flea

SIZE: on average from 1.5 to 3.3 mm

LIFECYCLE: Fleas in general have a very intense sexual life: for their mating to be fruitful, it must exceed 60 minutes. The number of Flea eggs deposited may be very high and usually occurs after each meal of blood. The human flea (Pulex irritans), for example, lays 4-8 eggs after every meal; a single female can produce 800-1000 eggs during her lifetime, which normally lasts two years.

FEATURES: parasite specific to man, often found also on rats and dogs. The Pulex irritans is a bit smaller, black, and jumps less than other fleas, and can sting anywhere apart from the lower limbs. Flea eggs do not stick to the host, and fall easily when knocked or scraped. Flea eggs hatch in about a week, giving rise to 1.5 mm white larvae without long, narrow legs.

HABITAT: The Pulex irritans flea, which is specific to the human species, may be at risk of extinction due to the progress of hygienic regulation. In the Western world, it is found only in farming areas near pig farms. It is notable that different species of fleas can coexist on the same host (including humans) when said host is particularly infested.

DIET: blood-sucking insect.

DAMAGE: Fleas can be carriers of many diseases, like the plague, and can transmit parasitic worms. Flea bites persist for a day or two, and are very irritating.

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