How High can Fleas Jump?

A flea can jump up to 13 inches (33 cm), about 130 times its height — but it's not the jumping champion. The insect with the longest jumps is the froghopper, which can jump up 28 inches (71 cm), which is about 150 times its body height. This would be about the equivalent of an average-size man jumping over the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or over two of the pyramids at Giza stacked on top of each other. When froghoppers make these jumps, they experiences forces of as much as 400 times the pull of gravity. To put that in perspective, humans pass out at 5 G's.

More facts jumping animals:

• The longest-jumping mammal is a cougar, which can jump 20-40 feet (6-12 m) horizontally and 18 feet (5.5 m) vertically into trees — that's about the same height as a two story building.


• Most long-jumping animals have exceptionally developed hind legs to propel them into the jumps. In the case of froghoppers, their hind legs are so long that they actually trail behind the insect on the ground when not in use.


• A flying fish can leap up to 4 feet (1.2 m) out of the water and glide through the air for up to 160 ft (50 m).

Frequently Asked Questions

How high can fleas jump compared to their body size?

Relative to their body size, fleas are extraordinary jumpers. They can leap vertically up to 7 inches and horizontally about 13 inches. This is equivalent to a human jumping over a skyscraper! This impressive ability is due to their specialized hind legs and a protein called resilin in their exoskeleton, which acts like a rubber band to store and release energy during jumps.

What factors contribute to a flea's jumping ability?

A flea's jumping prowess is attributed to a combination of anatomical and physiological factors. Their long hind legs are leveraged for jumping, while the resilin in their joints provides elasticity. Additionally, fleas use a catapult mechanism where they store energy and release it rapidly to propel themselves into the air, achieving remarkable heights and distances.

Can all fleas jump equally high?

While all fleas possess the ability to jump, there is variation among species and individual fleas. Factors such as age, health, and species can influence their jumping performance. Generally, the cat flea, a common household pest, is known for its impressive jumping abilities, but not all fleas will jump to the same maximum height or distance.

How does a flea's jump compare to other insects?

Fleas are among the best jumpers in the insect world when considering body size. They outperform many other insects, with their jump being more powerful than that of grasshoppers, which are also known for their leaping abilities. Fleas can jump over 100 times their own body height, making their athleticism quite remarkable among insects.

Does the ability to jump high benefit fleas in any way?

High jumping is a crucial survival trait for fleas. It allows them to escape predators quickly, move effectively between hosts, and spread to new environments. This mobility is essential for feeding, as fleas are parasites that rely on the blood of mammals and birds. Their jumping ability also aids in avoiding threats and navigating through the fur or feathers of their hosts.

Are there any environmental conditions that affect a flea's jumping ability?

Yes, environmental conditions can impact a flea's jumping ability. Factors such as temperature and humidity play a role; fleas tend to jump higher and more effectively in warm and humid conditions. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can hinder their performance. Additionally, surfaces that are too smooth or slippery can reduce their jumping efficiency.