A flea goes through four distinct stages in its life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Egg Stage: The flea life cycle begins when an adult female flea lays eggs on a host animal, which then fall off into the environment. Flea eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped, and they typically hatch in 1-12 days, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
- Larva Stage: Once the flea egg hatches, it releases a tiny, worm-like larva that feeds on organic matter, such as flea feces, skin cells, and other debris found in the environment. The larva molts three times over a period of 5-15 days and then spins a cocoon.
- Pupa Stage: The flea larva encases itself in a cocoon made of silk and debris found in the environment, where it undergoes metamorphosis and becomes a pupa. The pupa is protected inside the cocoon and can remain in this stage for weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions.
- Adult Stage: Once the flea has completed its metamorphosis, it emerges from the cocoon as an adult flea. The adult flea then seeks out a host to feed on and reproduce. The entire flea life cycle can take as little as 2-3 weeks or as long as several months, depending on environmental conditions.