Life Cycle

The cat flea life cycle is one of complete metamorphosis, involving the stages of an egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

This cycle usually lasts 30 to 75 days.

flea cycle found on free domain\fda.gov

 Egg stage

Female adult fleas lay about 2,000 eggs in her life time and the eggs are laid are the rate of up to one egg per hour. In one day, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs. The eggs hatch in 2-10 days.

 

Larva stage

After hatching, the larva heads towards dark place. Larva stays in this stage for 5-15 days. The larva likes to develop in a moist and warm area with at least 75% humidity and 70-90˚F.
The larva grow, molt then spin cocoons, where they grow  to pupae.

Pupa stage

This stage last 8-9 days in which immature fleas stay in their cocoon. During this stage, they continue to grow into adult flea.

Adult flea stage

When the full grown flea is stimulated by heat, vibration or an increase in carbon dioxide, they emerge. The adults leave their cocoons and hoop onto host. Then they find a mate and begin the whole life cycle again.

 

 

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