FLEA (פַּרְעֹ֣שׁ), flea all Eng. VSS. The flea is mentioned twice (1 Sam 24:14 [all Eng. VSS]; 26:20 [not RSV]). These are metaphorical passages which confirm the tr., for killing fleas as they hopped actively around was a familiar occupation. Fleas (Pulex and Ctenocephalides species) belong to a small and highly specialized insect family. The adults are bloodsuckers and each species normally concentrates on one host. The larvae are not parasitic but live on rubbish, so that human species thrive where there is dirt. In the dry conditions of Pal. fleas often swarm and may be regarded with indifference by the local folk. Besides causing much discomfort, fleas can transmit several diseases, in particular bubonic plague (see Mouse).