Species Diagnostic Images

Fleas

cat flea
Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae: Pulicinae)

Status
Exotic (but present in Australia)

Lateral view - female

Caption: Slide mounted specimen
Source: Ken Walker Museum Victoria

Adult body length 1-3mm; laterally compressed, reddish-brown to black in colour, wingless and with powerful hind legs.

Similar to the dog flea, may be distinguished as follows:

Ctenocephalides felis felis: Head elongate, not strongly convex anteriorly; dorsal margin of hind tibia with six setae bearing notches.

Ctenocephalides canis: Head strongly rounded anteriorly; dorsal margin of hind tibia with eight setae bearing notches.