Flea circus--a circus sideshow attraction

Flea circus	Flea circus

A flea circus refers to a circus sideshow attraction in which fleas were attached to miniature carts and other items, and encouraged to perform circus acts within a small housing. Fresnel lenses were mounted on all sides of the housing to allow visitors to view the attraction. A number of electrical, magnetic, and mechanical devices were used to augment the exhibit. In some cases these mechanisms were responsible for all of the "acts," with loose fleas in the exhibit maintaining the illusion. Some "flea circuses" do not contain any fleas at all and the skill of the performer convinces the audience of their existence.
Human fleas are used for performances as other fleas are too small, for the same reason female fleas are preferred over males. The fleas live only for a short time and hence training of fleas is an ongoing requirement. Fleas are trained not to jump by keeping them in a container with a lid. Once trained, they are harnessed by carefully wrapping a thin gold wire around the neck of the flea. Once in the harness the fleas usually stay in it for life. The harnesses are attached to the props and the strong legs of the flea allows them to move objects significantly larger than themselves. Chemicals such as camphor that repel fleas are placed on lightweight balls and the fleas kick them away, this makes the fleas look like they are juggling or playing football. Training fleas in this way simply shows off their natural talents and in no way harms the fleas. However there are historical reports of fleas glued to the base of the flea circus enclosure, instruments were then glued to the flea performers and the enclosure was heated. The fleas fought to escape giving the impression of fleas playing musical instruments.