Explanation of Names
FELIS: from the Latin "felis" or "feles" (a cat); Felis is a genus of cats, the principal host of this species.
Author of name: Bouché 1835 (Pulex) .
Numbers
one of two species in this genus in North America
Identification
Forehead low and sloping; genal comb with 7-8 sharp teeth, the first tooth about equal in length to the second.
"Cat fleas are commonly found on both cats and dogs in North America, while dog fleas are found in Europe. The two species are distinguished by a slight morphological difference which is detectable only under high magnification."
University of FloridaRange
Cosmopolitan, most commonly found in North America, unlike the dog flea which is European.
Habitat
Common on cats and dogs; also occurs on coyotes, foxes, rabbits, rats, humans
Food
Adults feed on blood of the host. Larvae feed on any kind of organic debris found on the floor.
Remarks
See Siphonaptera page for general information and references on fleas.
See Also
The Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis) has a high and well-rounded forehead, and the first tooth of its genal comb is shorter than the second.
Internet References
preserved adult image and other info (U. of California, Berkeley)
preserved adult image plus classification, references, and links (David Maddison, Tree of Life)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 4 September, 2005 - 3:55am
Additional contributions by
Beatriz MoissetLast updated 11 January, 2009 - 3:38pm
