Giant Armadillo Flea vs Human Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Armadillo Flea | Human Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tunga caecata | Pulex irritans |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Tungidae | Pulicidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 1.5-4 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | South America | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Armadillo Flea
A burrowing flea related to the chigoe flea that parasitizes armadillos in South America. Like its relative, the gravid female embeds into the host's skin.
Did You Know?
It is one of only a few flea species in the world that burrows into its host's skin to feed and reproduce.
Human Flea
Once common in human homes, now relatively rare in developed countries. Historically responsible for transmitting bubonic plague. Can jump 33 cm vertically.
Did You Know?
Human fleas were major plague vectors — the Black Death that killed 75-200 million people in the 14th century was largely spread by fleas on rats entering human homes.