Hedgehog Flea vs Western Chicken Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hedgehog Flea Western Chicken Flea
Scientific Name Archaeopsylla erinacei Ceratophyllus niger
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Pulicidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3.5 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hedgehog Flea

A large flea specific to European hedgehogs and one of the most abundant fleas in Western Europe. A single hedgehog can harbor hundreds.

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Did You Know?

Hedgehogs are so commonly infested that an average individual carries about 100 of these fleas.

Western Chicken Flea

A poultry flea common in western North America that infests chickens and other domestic birds. Heavy infestations reduce egg production and can kill young chicks.

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Did You Know?

Larvae develop in accumulated nest debris and droppings in poultry houses rather than on the bird itself.