Developmental Cycle of Fleas

The flea develops via a number of stages, beginning with the egg, followed by the larva, pupa and finally adult stage. The life cycle of the flea is one of complete metamorphosis. It can be completed in as little as 14 days or be prolonged up to 140 days, depending mainly on temperature and humidity (Silverman et al. 1981b). The life cycle of most flea species is characterized by three events: the hatching of the egg, the period from 1st instar to pupa, and the period from pupa to adult (Linardi et al. 1997) (Fig. 5 ).