Flea

A flea is a small insect without wings. It has strong legs that help it jump. The Bible mentions the flea only in 1 Samuel 24:14 and 26:20, where David compares himself to a flea.

Many flea species, notably Pulex irritans, are present in Palestine. Globally, there are about a thousand species. These insects survive by drinking the blood of animals and humans. Their bodies are wedge-shaped. This allows them to hide in skin folds on both animals and humans.

Females lay eggs in dusty corners. These hatch into larvae that transform into cocoons. Soon, adult fleas emerge and seek a host. Females need blood to develop eggs.

Flea bites are painful, causing swelling and itching. They are drawn to warmth. In ideal conditions, fleas can live a year without food. However, they feed often. The most dangerous are rat fleas, which spread bubonic plague. There were 41 recorded plague epidemics before the time of Jesus.

See also Animals.