Nie tylko pies zły, gdy gryzą go pchły
Not only dog grieves, when bitten by fleas

Summary/Abstract: Fleas (Siphonaptera) are the unpleasant companions for both humans and animals. They belong to a group of flightless, hematophagous insects. The Siphonaptera order consists of over 2 thousand species, occurring almost all over the world. These insects are notorious vectors of hazardous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Fleas played the key role in spread of the plague epidemic, which claimed millions of human lives. Their undesirable, but close relation with humans resulted in fleas appearing in many poems and paintings, were the unequal fight with those parasites is depicted, often in comical manner. The unusual abilities of fleas contributed to the creation of flea circuses, were fleas entertained the auditorium with their acrobatic skills.

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