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In this article we will discuss about the structure of Flea (Xenopsylla) with the help of a diagram.
1. It is commonly known as (rat flea or Pissu), and is common in tropics.
2. It is an ectoparasite onrats and other such mammals and acts as disease vector for plague.
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3. Body is laterally compressed and maybe divided into head thorax and abdomen, which may not be demarcated clearly.
4. The head bears a small 3 to 4 jointed antennae a pair of simple eyes and piercing & sucking or siphoning mouthparts.
5. Thorax bears three pairs of long, jointed and clawed legs for hopping but no wings.
6. Abdomen is swollen in middle and has 8 segments and a pair of anal styles.
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7. The whole body is covered over with bristles on the dorsal as well as lateral sides.
