Chigoe Flea vs Cicada Killer Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chigoe Flea | Cicada Killer Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tunga penetrans | Sphecius speciosus |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tungidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 1 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Africa, South America, Central America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Chigoe Flea
A tiny tropical flea whose fertilized females burrow into the skin of the feet, causing painful swelling called tungiasis. It is the smallest known flea.
Did You Know?
The female chigoe flea swells to the size of a pea after burrowing into skin, growing to nearly 100 times her unfed volume.
Cicada Killer Wasp
A large solitary wasp that provisions its burrow with paralyzed cicadas.
Did You Know?
A female can carry a cicada weighing more than herself in flight back to her burrow.