Pulicidae

Pulicidae is a family of fleas (order Siphonaptera) that are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Members feed on the blood of their hosts and complete their life cycles in the host's environment. The family includes several genera, with Xenopsylla (notably Xenopsylla cheopis), Ctenocephalides (including Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis), and Pulex (including Pulex irritans) being among the best known.

Fleas in Pulicidae are small, wingless insects typically 1–5 mm long, with laterally flattened bodies and powerful hind legs for jumping. They have specialized mouthparts for piercing skin and drawing blood. Distinctive head and thorax features include combs (ctenidia) that assist in retaining the host during feeding and aid in taxonomic identification.

Their life cycle comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in the host's environment, such as bedding or nest material. Larvae feed on organic debris; they become pupae in cocoons. Adults emerge when a host is present. Development is influenced by temperature and humidity; in favorable conditions, fleas can complete multiple generations in a year.

Pulicidae fleas are important medical and veterinary pests. Xenopsylla cheopis is the principal vector of Yersinia pestis, the plague bacterium, in many regions. Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, commonly infests domestic cats and dogs and can transmit Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat scratch disease. Other flea-borne pathogens include species of Rickettsia and others, depending on geography.

Control measures combine environmental management and host treatment. Strategies include regular treatment of pets with approved ectoparasiticides, cleaning and vacuuming of sleeping areas, laundering bedding, and, in some cases, insecticidal applications to animal housing. Public health programs emphasize reducing exposure and monitoring for flea-borne disease.