Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Metamorphoses: complete North American Families: 8 North American Species: 320	Siphonaptera Fleas Feeding Habits: Both male and female adults are bloodsucking. The larvae are saprophagous and feed on organic material, usually in the nest material of their hosts. Larvae of fleas that attack humans and our pets are found in carpets or furniture.
	Description: Fleas are small, wingless insects. They are shiny and dark brown or black. The abdomen is laterally flattened and has many spines and bristles. Fleas have long legs that are modified for jumping long distances. Their eyes and antennae are small and they have sucking mouthparts.
	Comments: Adult fleas are external parasites of mammals and birds. Fleas can transmit several diseases, including some serious diseases of humans such as the bubonic plague.

	Families in this Order
	Pulicidae: Pulicid fleas Size: 1 to 5 mm North American Species: 14