Badger Flea vs Squirrel Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Badger Flea Squirrel Flea
Scientific Name Paraceras melis Orchopeas howardi
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 3-5 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Parasites
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Badger Flea

A large flea specialized to parasitize European badgers. It is found in badger setts and is one of the largest flea species in Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest fleas in the world and its size corresponds to the thick skin of its badger host.

Squirrel Flea

A common ectoparasite of eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels in North America. It is found in squirrel nests and tree cavities.

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Did You Know?

This flea can survive several months without feeding while waiting in an abandoned squirrel nest.