Skip to main content
Ctenocephalides canis

Ctenocephalides canis

9.5
A small flea that lives on dogs and sometimes on cats
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : pulga del perro
  • Unlike other fleas, Ctenocephalides canis is primarily found on dogs but may also affect cats.

Examples

  • The veterinarian identified the presence of Ctenocephalides canis on the dog's fur.

  • The Ctenocephalides canis is often found in dog kennels.

  • Proper treatment can help eliminate Ctenocephalides canis infestations in pets.

  • Many pet owners fear Ctenocephalides canis infestations.

  • Proper treatment can help eliminate Ctenocephalides canis infestations in pets.

  • The veterinarian identified the presence of Ctenocephalides canis on the dog's fur.

  • Many pet owners fear Ctenocephalides canis infestations.

Synonyms

dog flea
vsCtenocephalides canis
  • Specialized
4.5

A very small insect that lives on dogs and cats and makes them itch

is the formal scientific name for the same flea species

Surface Forms

Morphology

Ctenocephalides + Canis

The binomial name combines a flea genus (Ctenocephalides) with the species epithet canis (relating to dogs), so a learner who knows both constituents can compositionally infer 'the dog flea' or a flea species associated with dogs. Scientific Latin binomials are compositional and cross-linguistically consistent, making the meaning predictable from the parts for someone familiar with those terms.

Etymology

The name Ctenocephalides canis comes from old words meaning 'comb' and 'head' for Ctenocephalides and 'dog' for canis. The picture helps you remember: the flea has tiny comb-like parts on its head and is usually found on dogs and sometimes on cats, so the name refers to the common dog flea.