Genus Ctenocephalides - Cat and Dog Fleas

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

Flea (Siphonaptera) - Ctenocephalides felis

Flea off of one my cats - Ctenocephalides felis

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

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2009 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version