Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) antenna. The fleas live as ectoparasites on a variety of mammals, pa
Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) antenna. The fleas live as ectoparasites on a variety of mammals, particularly domestic dogs and cats. They may occasionally bite humans, but cannot breed without their preferred hosts. The fleas have antennae on both sides of their head. These are delicate sense organs which can detect touch, smell, heat, humidity and vibration. The antennae are held in deep grooves to protect them from damage when the flea moves through the host hair. The antennae are comprised of three segments. The bottom segment is called the scape, the middle segment the pedicel, and the top segment the club, clava, or flagellum. The antennae play a significant role in host-finding and are also crucial for successful mating. Their inner surface contains disc-shaped clasping organs with a gland that secretes an adhesive, glue-like substance. With erect antennae, a male will move towards a female until their heads contact each other.
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Photo credit: © JANNICKE WIIK-NIELSEN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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