Human Flea vs Sweat Bee Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Human Flea Sweat Bee Stylops
Scientific Name Pulex irritans Stylops nevinsoni
Order Siphonaptera Strepsiptera
Family Pulicidae Stylopidae
Size 1.5-4 mm 2.0-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Parasites
Regions Worldwide Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Sweat Bee Stylops

A strepsipteran endoparasite of Andrena bees in the British Isles. Parasitized bees emerge earlier than unparasitized individuals.

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Did You Know?

Infected bees emerge from hibernation earlier in spring, which helps the strepsipteran synchronize its mating season.