Appearance: Small, wingless, about 1/12- to 1/6-inch long. Covered in spines with piercing mouthparts.

Habit: A parasite that attaches to a host.

Diet: Larvae feed on organic debris, particularly the feces of adult fleas, which contain undigested blood.

Reproduction: Eggs are not attached to the host. Eggs will hatch on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding, upholstery or cracks in the floor. Most hatch within 7 to 14 days.

Other: Powerful legs enable them to jump 7 to 8 inches vertically, and 14 to 16 inches horizontally. Carrier of parasites and disease organisms to human and animal hosts.