Arctic Louse Fly vs Snow Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Louse Fly | Snow Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithomya fringillina | Glaciopsyllus antarcticus |
| Order | Diptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Parasites | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Louse Fly
A flattened, wingless or short-winged parasitic fly that lives among the feathers of Arctic birds. Its laterally flattened body allows it to move easily through plumage. Adults have strong claws for gripping feathers.
Did You Know?
These flies can survive being transported thousands of kilometers on migratory birds from the Arctic to their wintering grounds.
Snow Flea
A flea that parasitizes petrels and survives Antarctic conditions year-round.
Did You Know?
It is the southernmost known flea, enduring temperatures far below freezing.