Cat Flea

Ctenocephalides felis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Siphonaptera
Family: Pulicidae
Genus: Ctenocephalides
Species: felis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ctenocephalides felis: //ˌtɛn.oʊˌsɛfəˈlaɪdiːz ˈfɛlɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ctenocephalides felis excréments by Auguste Le Roux. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Ctenocephalides felis, adulte. by Auguste Le Roux. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Ctenocephalides mouthparts by Gilles Ventejol - [1]. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Cat flea combs by Cat_flew_(head).jpg: Uwe Gille
derivative work: B kimmel (talk). Used under a Public domain license.

SIPH Pulicidae Ctenocephalides felis felis by Desmond W. Helmore
. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Ctenocephalides-felis-larva by Alan R Walker. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Ctenocephalides felis, or the cat flea, is a prevalent ectoparasite known primarily for infesting cats and dogs. It plays a significant role as a vector for various diseases and is noted for its complex life cycle and adaptation to domestic environments.

Physical Characteristics

Adult cat fleas range from 1.5 to 2.5 mm in body length, typically reddish-brown in color, and are laterally compressed. Gravid females can appear banded due to swollen abdomens filled with eggs.

Identification Tips

The cat flea can be identified by its low and sloping forehead and the genal comb with 7-8 sharp teeth, with the first tooth being about equal in length to the second. High magnification is required to distinguish it from the dog flea.

Habitat

Commonly found on domestic pets such as cats and dogs, as well as in environments shared with these animals, such as homes and yards.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan distribution, predominantly found in North America. Originated in Africa but has spread globally alongside domestic cats.

Diet

Adults feed on the blood of their hosts while larvae feed on organic debris and dried blood found in their environment.

Life Cycle

Cat fleas undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females can lay 20 to 30 eggs daily after a blood meal.

Reproduction

Adults must feed on blood before they can reproduce. Eggs are laid individually and are non-adhesive, causing them to be easily dispersed.

Ecosystem Role

Cat fleas serve as vectors for various diseases and parasites, affecting both their animal hosts and potentially humans.

Health Concerns

Cat fleas can transmit murine typhus, tapeworms, and are implicated in flea flea allergy dermatitis among pets. They may also play a role in the transmission of Lyme disease and Rickettsia felis.

Evolution

Ctenocephalides felis has evolved to become the most common flea found on both cats and dogs, despite the existence of the dog flea.

Similar Taxa

Ctenocephalides canis (Dog Flea)

Misconceptions

Many believe that cat fleas only inhabit cats, but they are commonly found on dogs and other hosts as well.