Outdoor survival and development of immature cat fleas (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) in Florida

In north-central Florida, cat nea, Ctenocephalides felis felis Bouche, larv ae survived outdoors year round. Their survival was greatest (up to 84.6%) outdoors in the fall, from September to November, when both temperatures an d relative humidities were moderate. Female cat fleas developed faster than males. Development times for flea larvae were shortest (20-24 d) in June a nd July. From January to March, flea larval mortality was highest (91.7-100 %) and development times the longest (36-50 d) outdoors. This was the resul t of low temperatures and low relative humidities associated with the passa ge of cord fronts during this time of year. Flea larvae survived light fros ts in protected microhabitats such as inside a doghouse and under a mobile home.