Ctenocephalides felis/canis Flashcards
common name
cat flea, dog flea
order
siphonaptera
hosts
dogs and cats
identification
wingless adults dark brown laterally compressed long legs pronatal combs
what kind of mouthparts?
piercing/sucking
adult size
3mm
larva characteristics
worm like
segmented
chewing mouthparts
what do larvae feed on?
organic debris
blood and feces of adult fleas
egg
oval
white
0.5mm
life cycle
eggs laid on host and fall into surrounding environment
third larval stage spins a cocoon and becomes pupa
adult emerges
both sexes are ____ and adults are _____
bloodsuckers, parasitic
where do larvae prefer to live?
dark secluded areas- base of carpet, basement floor
when do adults emerge from cocoon?
vibrations in the area
how do animals get fleas
mainly from infested environments
complete life cycle can extend up to _____ years
1-2
site of infection
skin, back, ventral abdomen, and inner thighs
pathogenesis
flea bite dermatitis- can range from asymptotic to severe
large numbers of fleas can cause
severe pruritus, alopecia, and anemia
fleas are vectors of
viruses, bacteria, tapeworms ect
diagnosis
presence of fleas, flea feces, blood on host
treatment
insecticides, environmental control- vacuum
need to break the life cycle
_____ is the most common species of flea found in both dogs and cats
felis
pupa size
5mm color varies
what is a requirement for larval developtment
feeding on flea feces
pupa is in the cocoon for up to ____
30 weeks
how many eggs can 1 female lay?
50 eggs per day
when should flea and tick control be recommended?
year round
should pets on flea and tick control be allowed to roam in all their normal places?
yes
