Pulicidae

Definition

A family of fleas (order Siphonaptera) comprising approximately 181 species in 27 genera, including the human flea *Pulex irritans* and several genera of veterinary and public-health significance. Members are characterized by laterally compressed bodies, jumping hind legs, and hematophagous adults that parasitize mammals and birds. The family is classified within the infraorder Pulicomorpha and superfamily Pulicoidea.

Etymology

From Latin *pulex* (flea) + family suffix *-idae*.

Example

The cat flea *Ctenocephalides felis*, despite its common name, belongs to the family Pulicidae and serves as the primary intermediate host for the tapeworm *Dipylidium caninum*.

Related Terms

• Siphonaptera
• Pulicomorpha
• Pulicoidea
• Pulex
• flea
• Ectoparasite
• Vector

Usage Notes

Pulicidae is one of several flea families; it is distinguished from Ceratophyllidae, Hystrichopsyllidae, and others by morphological and ecological traits. The family includes both cosmopolitan species associated with humans and domestic animals, and more specialized parasites of wild mammals. Species identification often requires examination of chaetotaxy and genitalic structures. Not all 'pulicid' fleas are in this family—informal use of the root persists in older literature.