Flea larvae are related to which insect?

• A. Mosquitos
• B. Ticks
• C. Lice
• D. Flies

Answer: (A)

Fleas are insects that go through complete metamorphosis and have free-living larvae that develop in the environment, not on the host. Among the options, mosquitoes fit best as a relative because both are small blood-feeding insects with a life cycle that includes a distinct larval stage in the environment, and both are true insects. Ticks aren’t insects at all (they’re arachnids), so they don’t count. Lice are insects too, but their life cycle stays more tightly on the host and their larvae resemble miniature adults, making them less similar to fleas’ larval development. Flies comprise a broad group with varied larval forms, so they’re a less precise match. Therefore, mosquitoes are the best fit.