Loppor

Loppor refers to fleas, a group of small, flightless, parasitic insects in the order Siphonaptera. In languages such as Swedish and Norwegian, loppor is the common plural for fleas. Fleas are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds, feeding on blood and often living in the host’s environment when not on the body.

Fleas are small, typically 1–4 mm long, dorsoventrally flattened, and wingless. They possess strong, laterally oriented hind legs for powerful jumping. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Many species have comb-like structures (genal and pronotal combs) used in identification.

Lifecycle: Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Eggs are laid on the host or in bedding and hatch within days. Larvae feed on organic debris, including adult feces. Pupae are encased in cocoons and can remain dormant for weeks or months. Adults emerge when they detect a host by heat, carbon dioxide, and vibrations.

Hosts and disease: Domestic species include the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). The rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis is a primary vector of plague bacterium Yersinia pestis. Fleas can also transmit Dipylidium caninum and various rickettsial pathogens to pets and people.

Control and prevention: Treat pets with veterinarian-approved insecticides and regularly wash and comb them. Clean living areas thoroughly, vacuum frequently, and wash bedding. Reduce rodent and wildlife reservoirs, and consider environmental insect growth regulators or residual insecticides. In heavy infestations, professional pest control may be required.