1. MECOPTERA
(scorpionflies)
SIPHONAPTERA
(fleas)

2. So far in classification
Exopterygota
Head with gula
Neuropteroid Orders
mandibulate
Hymenoptera
Diptera
Neoptera 2
Wings
larvae without legs 4
Mecoptera
Head without gula
Siphonaptera
No wings
rostrate
- Lepidoptera
Wings with scales
Mecopteroid orders
larvae with legs
- Trichoptera
Wings with hairs

3. Hexapod Orders Mecoptera Mecos - long, ptera - wing Number of Species
500
Common names
Scorpionflies
Typical habitats
Forests
Distinguishing characteristics
-mouthparts on a snout
-swollen terminal segment with ‘stinger’
Other features

4. Hexapod Orders Siphonaptera Siphon - tube, aptera - wingless
Number of Species
2,400
Common names
Fleas
Typical habitats
Ectoparasites of birds and mammals
Distinguishing characteristics
-wingless
-parasites
-siphoning mouthparts
-jumping legs
Other features

5. Fleas - Distinguishing Features
Wingless
Sucking mouthparts
Antennae retractible
Jumping legs

6. Fleas - Life Cycle Pupal stage lasts ~ 7 days
Larva feeds on organic matter for ~24 days
Natural habitat
Eggs hatch in ~ 4 days
Adult
Eggs drop off host

7. Flea Numbers

8. Fleas - Disease Transmission
Bubonic Plague (Black Death)

9. Fleas - Disease Transmission
Yerstis pestis

10. Fleas - Disease Transmission

11. Fleas - Disease Transmission