Filigree Skimmer vs Chigoe Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Filigree Skimmer Chigoe Flea
Scientific Name Pseudoleon superbus Tunga penetrans
Order Odonata Siphonaptera
Family Libellulidae Tungidae
Size 42-48 mm 1 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Blood Feeders
Regions North America Africa, South America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Filigree Skimmer

A dragonfly with ornate banded wing patterns and arid habitat preferences.

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Did You Know?

It is one of few dragonfly species found in extremely arid desert environments.

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.

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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.