Dog Flea vs Neotropical Bee Assassin
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dog Flea | Neotropical Bee Assassin |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ctenocephalides canis | Apiomerus pictipes |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pulicidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 2-3.5 mm | 14-20 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America | South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela) |
| 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.
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.
Neotropical Bee Assassin
A stout, colorful assassin bug that specializes in capturing bees and wasps visiting flowers. Its bright red, orange, and black coloring may serve as aposematic warning. It coats its forelegs with plant resins to improve grip when seizing fast-moving prey.
Did You Know?
It has been observed applying resin from specific plant species to its legs in a deliberate, repeated behavior that qualifies as tool use.