Answer #1

Lice and fleas are two wingless insects that are truly dissimilar in many aspects. Fleas are essentially true parasites since they survive on sucking the blood from both birds and mammals. While some species of lice are parasites and they suck blood or feed on living tissues, there are some kinds of lice that thrive on eating dead tissues.

1. Movement

With regards to movement, these two insects move in a similar manner like grasshoppers. However, the difference noticed in their movements is that fleas more around more as compared to lice. Fleas have a body structure that is laterally compressed and this assists its fast movement. They also have long legs, particularly the hind legs that are well suited for jumping quickly like grasshoppers.

2. Body shape

Whereas fleas essentially have a generally flat body shape, lice have an oval body shape. Furthermore, the two insects also have unique colors. Lice are generally dark grey, while fleas can be easily identified with their reddish brown and darker colors. The lice body is fully adapted to residing on the host during its entire life. In effect, they have stout claws and legs that assist them to hang onto the feathers or hair of the host.

3. Diseases

Fleas can spread diseases when they move from one host to the next. In contrast, lice cannot carry and spread diseases. Furthermore, fleas possess a tough body that can withstand great pressure. They can also transfer diseases to humans through attacking the ankle region of the feet. Since fleas can also jump over 100 times their own height, they spread diseases faster than other insects.

Finally, lice exhibit host specificity as they are mainly linked to human beings, where they spend their entire lives. In contrast, fleas normally move around from one animal host to the next.

Answered By: daniel [554 ]