Siphonaptera, commonly known as fleas, is an order of about 2,500 species of small, flightless, wingless insects that live as external, blood-feeding parasites of mammals and birds. Adult fleas are laterally flattened, typically about 3 millimeters long, with powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, and the worm-like, limbless larvae feed on organic debris rather than blood.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionModern fleas are thought to have arisen in Gondwana and to have migrated rapidly northward from there 1 Defining CharacteristicsSmall flightless insects that live as external parasites of mammals and birds, feeding on host blood 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAdults grow to about 3 millimetres long, are usually dark colored, with bodies flattened sideways 1 Sources
1. Wikipedia: Flea
Opening section (rank)
the common name for the order Siphonaptera
Opening section (name)
the common name for the order Siphonaptera
Fossil History section (member count)
bringing the total up to around 2500 species
Fossil History section (distribution)
Modern fleas probably arose in the southern continental area of Gondwana, and migrated rapidly northwards from there
Morphology section
small flightless insects that live as external parasites of mammals and birds
Introduction (appearance)
Adult fleas grow to about 3 millimetres (1/8 inch) long, are usually dark in color, and have bodies that are flattened sideways
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