Chigoe Flea vs Snow Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chigoe Flea | Snow Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tunga penetrans | Glaciopsyllus antarcticus |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Tungidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 1 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America, Central America | Oceania |
| 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.
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.