Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Siphonaptera

Siphonaptera

9.9
A group of small wingless insects like fleas that live on mammals and birds
  • noun
  • /ˌsɪfəˈnæptərə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sifonáptero
  • The Siphonaptera are known for their jumping ability.

Examples

  • The order Siphonaptera includes all species of fleas commonly found on mammals and birds.

  • The morphological characteristics of Siphonaptera distinguish them from other parasitic insects.

  • Researchers studied the life cycle of Siphonaptera to understand how fleas transmit diseases.

  • Many animals suffer from Siphonaptera infestations.

  • The Siphonaptera are known for their ability to jump great distances in search of a host.

  • Veterinarians often treat pets for infestations caused by Siphonaptera like fleas.

  • Siphonaptera are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds.

Synonyms

flea
vsSiphonaptera
202 1.0

A small insect without wings that jumps and drinks the blood of animals like cats and dogs

refers to the whole taxonomic group rather than an individual insect
order Siphonaptera
vsSiphonaptera
  • Specialized
9.6

A group of small wingless insects called fleas that live on mammals and birds

is the same name but without the explicit taxonomic word

Compounds

order Siphonaptera
  • Specialized
9.6

A group of small wingless insects called fleas that live on mammals and birds

Surface Forms

Siphonaptera singular
Siphonapteras plural

Morphology

Siphonaptera = siphon + aptera

A taxonomic name formed from Greek combining forms (one of which, 'aptera', is not a productive standalone English morpheme), so the term is technical and not guessable by an average B1 learner from its parts.

Etymology

Siphonaptera comes from Greek roots siphon meaning 'tube' and aptera meaning 'without wings'. So, Siphonaptera are the fleas, wingless insects that suck blood with tube-like mouths, and the name helps you remember these two key features.