Adult : small, vertically flattened, reddish-brown, 1.5-3mm long.

Eggs (15-20) oval, 0.8mm, whitish colour. Larvae 6mm long, worm-like with chewing mouth parts.

Feeds on blood - commonly infests cats, dogs and readily bites humans. Its salivary secretion causes itching and discomfort for many days, especially to allergic people. An excellent jumper, moves easily and fast through hair or fur of the host.