Genus Ctenocephalides - Cat and Dog Fleas

Classification · Numbers · Size · Identification · Remarks · Internet References

Flea (Siphonaptera) - Ctenocephalides felis

Gravid cat flea - Ctenocephalides felis - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Siphonaptera (Fleas)

Family Pulicidae

Genus Ctenocephalides (Cat and Dog Fleas)

Numbers

2 species in North America: the Cat Flea and the Dog Flea (nearctica.com)

Size

1.5-2.5 mm

Identification

conspicuous genal and pronotal combs; one row of bristles on each abdominal segment

Remarks

See the Siphonaptera page for general information and references on fleas.

The Dog Flea (C. canis) is an intermediate host for the dog tapeworm. The tapeworm develops in the flea larva after the larva ingests a tapeworm egg. When a dog bites an adult flea, the tapeworm enters the dog's digestive system.

Internet References

larva image of C. canis (Kevin Baldwin, Momouth College, Illinois)

Contributed by Robin McLeod on 4 September, 2005 - 3:54am
Last updated 4 September, 2005 - 3:55pm

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