Hen Flea vs Ant-Nest Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hen Flea Ant-Nest Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus gallinae Atemeles emarginatus
Order Siphonaptera Coleoptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Staphylinidae
Size 2-3 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Central Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hen Flea

A common flea of wild birds and domestic poultry, often found in nest material. Heavy infestations can cause anemia and reduced egg production in chickens.

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Did You Know?

Hen fleas spend most of their lives in the nest rather than on the bird, making nest sanitation the most effective control method.

Ant-Nest Rove Beetle

A small, amber-brown rove beetle that parasitizes two different ant species during its life cycle. Larvae develop in Formica nests and adults move to Myrmica nests.

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Did You Know?

It switches host ant species seasonally, overwintering with Myrmica ants and breeding in Formica nests in summer.