Chigoe Flea vs Valley Jerusalem Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chigoe Flea | Valley Jerusalem Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tunga penetrans | Stenopelmatus pictus |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Tungidae | Stenopelmatidae |
| Size | 1 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Root Feeders |
| 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.
Valley Jerusalem Cricket
A boldly banded Jerusalem cricket found in the arid valleys of California. Its large jaws can deliver a painful but harmless bite.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, it is neither from Jerusalem nor a true cricket.