Human Flea vs Moorhen Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Human Flea	Moorhen Flea
Scientific Name	Pulex irritans	Dasypsyllus gallinulae
Order	Siphonaptera	Siphonaptera
Family	Pulicidae	Ceratophyllidae
Size	1.5-4 mm	1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat	Underground	Woodlands
Diet	Blood Feeders	Blood Feeders
Regions	Worldwide	Europe
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Human Flea

Once common in human homes, now relatively rare in developed countries. Historically responsible for transmitting bubonic plague. Can jump 33 cm vertically.

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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.

Moorhen Flea

A flea commonly found on small passerine birds including tits, wrens, and robins. It breeds in bird nesting boxes and natural cavities.

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Did You Know?

This flea is so common in European bird nest boxes that ornithologists routinely find them when checking boxes during the breeding season.