Common Bat Fly vs Snow Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Bat Fly | Snow Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Basilia nana | Glaciopsyllus antarcticus |
| Order | Diptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Nycteribiidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Bat Fly
A tiny, completely wingless spider-like fly that parasitizes bats. Its body is so highly modified for ectoparasitism that it bears almost no resemblance to a typical fly.
Did You Know?
It has evolved to be so specialized that its head folds back over the thorax, and it walks like a spider through bat fur.
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.