Fleas


	Fleas are a highly specialised bloodsucking parasite, they have a formidable reputation of claiming more victims than all the wars ever fought, as a result of the *bubonic plague* over 200 million people died during the 14th century. Both male and females rely on blood for their nutrition but can survive for several months without it, most females will lay at least 100 eggs within a life cycle of several months. The main flea species that attack humans include the cat flea, dog flea and the human flea. The common cat flea is found on both cats and dogs and is the species usually identified in attacks on humans, the other two species are relatively rare. *DID YOU KNOW ?* The nursery rhyme "Ring around the rosy" refers to and describes the horrible death caused by the bubonic plague.