FLEAS are reddish-brown tiny parasites that live on the exterior of the host. Fleas are blood-sucking insects being carriers of disease and could be serious pests. Fleas do not have wings but have flat bodies and strong legs, which allows them to jump long distances by using their hind legs to propel them. They travel by jumping from one person or animal to another. They are able to jump over 18 centimeters high and 33 centimeters long, which is about 150 times their own body length. The acceleration is so intense that the little creature is subjected to a force of about 100g. The flea’s secret is a stretchy rubber-like protein that allows it to store and release energy like a spring. The body of the flea is an engineering marvel that in many ways exceeds the best that human technology can offer.
