There are over 2,000 described species of fleas in the world. Their white color may prevent them from being seen on lightly-colored fabric. They are also visible to the naked eye. They are eyeless, legless and sparsely covered with hairs. The larval body is translucent white with a dark-colored gut that can be seen through the skin.
Cocoons are sticky, attracting dirt and debris.
This camouflage may prevent them from being seen. Their powerful hindlegs are well adapted for jumping and running through hair and feathers. Females require a fresh blood meal in order to produce eggs. The smooth eggs easily fall from the pet onto the carpet, bedding, or lawn. Eggs hatch within 2 days, and the developing larvae feed on dandruff, food particles, and skin flakes found on the floor around them.