RES Handbook Vol 1 Part 16. Siphonaptera

FLEAS are small (1-8 mm long), wingless insects with a holometabolous metamorphosis (egg-larva-pupa-adult); their bodies are strongly compressed laterally, usually heavily sclerotised, hairy and shiny and light-rufous to almost black in colour. They are parasitic in the adult stage only, sucking blood from mammals and birds. The larvae are legless, elongate, eyeless, with fairly sparse but strong bristles and they have biting mouth-parts; they are not parasitic, but feed on organic matter which they find mainly in their usual abode, the nest or dwelling-place of the host. The free pupa is contained in a cocoon.
Author(s): 
F. G. A. M. Smit
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Yes
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