- An insect belonging to the genus Pulex, of the order
Aphaniptera. Fleas are destitute of wings, but have the power of
leaping energetically. The bite is poisonous to most persons. The human
flea (Pulex irritans), abundant in Europe, is rare in America, where
the dog flea (P. canis) takes its place. See Aphaniptera, and Dog flea.
See Illustration in Appendix.