Black-Tailed Deer Fly vs Badger Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-Tailed Deer Fly Badger Flea
Scientific Name Chrysops niger Paraceras melis
Order Diptera Siphonaptera
Family Tabanidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 7-10 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-Tailed Deer Fly

A small dark deer fly with mostly blackened wings and green iridescent eyes. It is an aggressive daytime biter commonly encountered near wooded wetlands.

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Did You Know?

It is most active during overcast humid days and tends to bite repeatedly if swatted away without being killed.

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.