Glacier Black Fly vs Sand Martin Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glacier Black Fly | Sand Martin Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prosimulium alpestre | Ceratophyllus styx |
| Order | Diptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Simuliidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm body length | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Alps, Northern Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Glacier Black Fly
A small black fly whose larvae develop in fast-flowing alpine streams. Adults are among the earliest insects active after snowmelt.
Did You Know?
Larvae anchor themselves to rocks in torrential currents using silk pads and tiny hooks.
Sand Martin Flea
A flea species specific to sand martin colonies in their bank-nesting burrows. It can accumulate in large numbers in nest chambers.
Did You Know?
Colony-nesting birds like sand martins provide an ideal environment for flea population explosions in shared burrows.