Flea circus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a human flea (Pulex irritans) held in a harness. The flea belongs to Hans Mathes' Flea Circus,where trained fleas perform a range of tricks,including kicking balls,pulling miniature carriages and dancing in tiny costumes. For performances the fleas are held in a wire harness (blue),secured over the head and behind the front legs,as seen here. The stunts rely on the natural strength and jumping ability of the fleas,which can move objects up to 20,000 times their own body weight. The circus,which fits into one small box,performs for two weeks a year at the Munich Oktoberfest in Germany. Magnification unknown |