An insect of the order Siphonaptera, marked by lateral compression, sucking mouthparts, extraordinary jumping powers, and ectoparasitic adult life in the hair and feathers of warm-blooded animals. Important fleas include Ctenocephalides felis (cat f.), or C. canis (dog f.), Pulex irritans (human f.), Tunga penetrans (chigger, chigoe, or sand f.), Echidnophaga gallinacea (sticktight f.), Xenopsylla (rat f.), and Ceratophyllus. SEE ALSO: Copepoda.
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flea 'flē n any of the order Siphonaptera comprising wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals see CAT FLEA, CHIGOE (1), DOG FLEA, RAT FLEA, SAND FLEA, STICKTIGHT FLEA
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n.
a small wingless bloodsucking insect with a laterally compressed body and long legs adapted for jumping. Adult fleas are temporary parasites on birds and mammals and those species that attack humans (Pulex, Xenopsylla, and Nosopsyllus) may be important in the transmission of various diseases. Their bites are not only a nuisance but may become a focus of infection. Appropriate insecticide powders are used to destroy fleas in the home.
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(fle) any insect of the order Siphonaptera; many are parasitic and may act as carriers of disease. Genera of medical importance include Cediopsylla, Ceratophyllus, Ctenocephalides, Ctenophthalmus, Diamanus, Echidnophaga, Hoplopsyllus, Leptopsylla, Monopsyllus, Neopsylla, Nosopsyllus, Oropsylla, Pulex, Rhopalopsyllus, Tunga, and Xenopsylla.Medical dictionary. 2011.