sticktight flea
Quick Summary
The sticktight flea, also known as Echidnophaga gallinacea, is a species of flea that primarily infests poultry but can also affect mammals, including humans. These fleas are known for their habit of attaching themselves firmly to the skin of their hosts, often around the head and comb of birds.1
Fleas, in general, are small, wingless insects that are ectoparasites, feeding exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds. They are significant carriers of disease and can be serious pests. The life cycle of a flea includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. While adult fleas can live for weeks to over a year, their larvae feed on organic debris, such as dried blood and skin, in the host's nest or habitat.1
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