What is a notable characteristic of fleas?

A notable characteristic of fleas is their ability to feed on multiple animal species. Fleas are ectoparasites that thrive by drawing blood from various hosts, which can include mammals and birds. This adaptability allows them to survive in diverse environments where different animals are present, making them effective at spreading between hosts. Their physiological makeup enables them to extract nourishment from a wide range of animals, which is essential for their reproduction and survival.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of fleas. Fleas do not have wings, which rules out the notion that they can fly; instead, they are known for their remarkable jumping ability, which allows them to move between hosts. While they do depend on blood meals for survival, and a lack of food can shorten their lifespan, saying they do not survive long without blood is less descriptive of their adaptability compared to their dietary versatility. Additionally, fleas are generally much smaller than bed bugs, which makes that comparison incorrect as well.