Badger Flea vs Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Badger Flea | Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paraceras melis | Physocephala rufipes |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ceratophyllidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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.
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.
Thick-headed Fly
A wasp-mimicking fly that parasitizes bumblebees by injecting eggs into them mid-flight.
Did You Know?
Infected bumblebees bury themselves in soil where the fly larva pupates.