Dog Flea vs Blue-winged Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog Flea Blue-winged Grasshopper
Scientific Name Ctenocephalides canis Oedipoda caerulescens
Order Siphonaptera Orthoptera
Family Pulicidae Acrididae
Size 2-3.5 mm 15-28mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dog Flea

A flea historically associated with domestic dogs but actually less common on dogs than the cat flea. Distinguished by its more rounded head profile.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called the dog flea, this species is often outnumbered on dogs by cat fleas at a ratio of ten to one.

Blue-winged Grasshopper

A well-camouflaged grasshopper that reveals bright blue hindwings when it flies. At rest it blends perfectly with bare ground. The flash of blue startles predators during escape flights.

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Did You Know?

The sudden flash of blue wings during flight confuses predators, then it vanishes when it lands and folds them.