Which statement is true regarding flea feeding habits?

Which statement is true regarding flea feeding habits?

• A. Only immature fleas feed on the host
• B. Only adults feed on the host
• C. Both adults and immatures feed on the host
• D. Adults do not feed at all

Answer: (B)

In the context of flea feeding habits, it is accurate to state that only adult fleas feed on the host. Adult fleas are the stage that actively engages in feeding, which is crucial for their reproduction and survival. The adult flea's feeding process involves piercing the skin of the host (such as a pet or human) and consuming blood. This blood meal is essential for the female flea to produce eggs. Immature fleas, which include eggs, larvae, and pupae, do not feed on hosts; instead, they rely on organic detritus and flea feces for nourishment while they develop in the environment. The life cycle of the flea progresses through various stages, but it is the adult stage that engages in feeding behavior on living hosts. Therefore, the assertion that only adults feed on the host accurately represents the biological behavior and dietary needs of fleas.

In the context of flea feeding habits, it is accurate to state that only adult fleas feed on the host. Adult fleas are the stage that actively engages in feeding, which is crucial for their reproduction and survival. The adult flea's feeding process involves piercing the skin of the host (such as a pet or human) and consuming blood. This blood meal is essential for the female flea to produce eggs.

Immature fleas, which include eggs, larvae, and pupae, do not feed on hosts; instead, they rely on organic detritus and flea feces for nourishment while they develop in the environment. The life cycle of the flea progresses through various stages, but it is the adult stage that engages in feeding behavior on living hosts. Therefore, the assertion that only adults feed on the host accurately represents the biological behavior and dietary needs of fleas.