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Flea Anatomy & Terms

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Genal Comb = Row of enlarged spines,
along the ventral edge
of the head.

Pronotal Comb = Row of enlarged spines,
along the posterior edge
of the 1st thoracic segment.

Ocular Bristle = Thickened setae that is
closely associated with the eye.

Head Shape = The shape of the flea's head is
an important identification character.

Mesopleural Rod = Thickening of
the ventral cuticle of the
middle thoracic segment and is
an important identification character.


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NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
1060 William Moore Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607