top of page

Siphonaptera

Common name:

Flea

Distribution:

Every continent except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity occurring in temperate zones

Habitat:

On the bodies of mammals and occasionally birds, also in the soil near concrete sidewalks, porches, and in shaded, damp soil under shrubs

Diet:

Suck blood from animals (adults); dust, host’s fecal matters or dead skin cells (larvae)

Number of species globally

2,500

Number of species in Hong Kong :

6

Morphology
(how to recognize them) :

-Wingless
-Laterally compressed body
-Eyes and antennae are imperceptible
-Well developed hind legs
-Piercing and sucking mouthparts

Diagram

Did you know ?

Fleas can find their hosts without good eyesight. They prefer wild animal hosts but will resort to biting people when other animals are unavailable. Adult fleas find hosts by detecting body heat, movement, vibrations caused by movement, and breathing.

Gallery

Follow Us

Thanks for your subscription!

More sponsors to be announced later.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum is funded by Environment and Conservation Fund of
the Hong Kong Government under the EE&CA project 3348: the Environment and Conservation Fund:
The Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum: Pushing the Frontiers of Biodiversity Knowledge

Funded by

Supported by

ecf1.png
HKU.jpg
logo_new.png

© Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum. All rights reserved.  Terms and Conditions

Partners

Untitled design - 2025-03-18T151026.606.png
bottom of page