Human flea, Pulex irritans (female)

Photomicrograph of the human flea, Pulex irritans (Female). Fleas are small wingless insects, as adults, laterally flattened, blood-sucking and capable of jumping. The mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking and consist of three elongated, sharp piercing elements. The legs are rather long and stout, adapted for clinging with large coxae, and long 5-segmented tarsi. The hind legs are especially important for jumping. Photographed using focus stacking of each image section joined using stitching software, from a 132 photographs.