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Main Siphonapteran Pest Species in temperate
climates: |
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- Human Flea
- Cat Flea
- Dog Flea
- Tropical Rat Flea
- Bird Flea
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Image Copyright - Aventis
Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental
Science. |
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Class: |
Insecta |
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Order: |
Siphonaptera |
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Family: |
Various |
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Specialised in terms of morphology,
members of the order Siphonaptera are readily identified by their laterally flattened
distinctive shape. Hind legs are very muscular, and well adapted to jumping. |
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Wingless, laterally flattened, blood feeding
insects. Mode of locomotion or movement is characteristic jumping, well suited for
movement onto and between host animals. Fleas
follow a complete metamorphosis Life - Cycle with distinct egg, larval, pupal and adult
stages of development. |
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As a significant public health pest, the control
of fleas is important. Judicial use of contact insecticides on resting and
harbourage areas is recommended, along with approved products for use on animal hosts.
Insect growth regulators are particularly effective for long term control of fleas. |
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