Appearance: Fleas are small, wingless and 1/12- to 1/6-inch long. They are covered in spines with piercing mouthparts.

Habitat: A parasite that attaches to a host.

Diet: Larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult fleas, which contain undigested blood.

Other: Their powerful legs allow them to jump 7 to 8 inches vertically, and 14 to 16 inches horizontally. Fleas carry parasites and disease organisms to human and animal hosts.