Flea

Fleas are a rare insect in the series that can be found from spring to early winter. If sold, fleas are worth 70 bells, no matter which villager played host to them, and likely a reference to the fact that they are despised (in the same way Cockroaches only sell for 5 bells). They appear as a black, bouncing speck on a random villager, and can be caught by hitting the villager with a net. Unusually, this does not hurt the villager. It does, however, change their catchphrase, usually something about them itching, among these catchphrases there is "itchy", "eek", "scritchy" or "gross". Once the flea has been caught, the villager that played host to it will give a response, usually one of denial, shock, or gratitude, which corresponds to their personality. Snooty villagers will be horrified, and will ask you to keep it a secret, while on the other hand, lazy villagers will not be shocked or embarrased, and will be happy to be free from the feeling.

Fleas make a bouncing noise when on a villager while you will see a black dot bouncing on the head of the villager. When caught are surrounded by a red ring and a pointing hand to make it easier to see, much like the mosquito. Players cannot play host to fleas themselves.

Donating to the Museum
As with all insects in the series, the flea can be donated to the Museum followed by a small talk by Blathers, the curator.

In Wild World
Blathers, the curator of the museum, will unwillingly accept fleas for exhibition. Here, he speaks of the flea;

"Heed my words, (Player name)! Bathe often! Wash yourself thoroughly! And shampoo regularly! Allow yourself to become filthy, and fleas move in! Blech! The very IDEA... Now I feel itchy."

The flea can be found hopping around the first room after donation, but is usually near the pond. In the museum, the flea takes on a more redish color, though when you catch it it appears as black.

In City Folk
Again, Blathers will express his disgust at the flea in City Folk;

"Hoo now, have you ever had a chance to look at a flea up close and personal? They're utterly noisome! Especially vulgar are their flattened bodies, which allow them to wriggle into all sorts of places. Oh, mercy, I may need to sit on the floor for a moment. All this talk of fleas makes me feel rather woozy."

Once donated, fleas appear as a barely-visible speck, bouncing around on the path on the central terrace in the insect exhibit.

Encyclopedia Information
When the player has caught the flea, they can find information about the insect in the bug menu. Below is the information regarding the flea:

Wild World

 * Size: 2 mm.
 * Season: All year.
 * The female flea lays up to 20 eggs a day, and is usually larger than the male. Gross!

City Folk

 * Season: Summer-Fall
 * Time: All Day
 * Size: About 2 mm
 * Females can lay up to 20 eggs a day and are usually bigger than the males.

Further Information
The human flea, Pulex irritans, is a widespread species of flea that is thought to have originated from South America. Despite the name, they are found on all manner of birds and mammals, including dogs, pigs, chickens, monkeys and even some species of bat. They have, through evolution, lost their wings and have instead developed, long, powerful legs that can be used to jump incredible heights- roughly 200 times their body length.

Fleas feed on blood. After feeding, females lay eggs on the skin or hair of the host animal. A single flea can have over 500 offspring in its lifetime, which live in the host's bedding feeding on dust and dried blood excreted by their parents after feeding.

Trivia
If you are using the Speed cheats in Wild World, when you swing your net while running, you will always catch a flea.

Tags: , Animal Crossing Wild World Animal Crossing City Folk Bugs Fish