Indian Honey Bee vs Squirrel Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Indian Honey Bee | Squirrel Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apis cerana indica | Orchopeas howardi |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Apidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Indian Honey Bee
A small, dark-banded honey bee native to the Indian subcontinent and the primary managed bee species in traditional Indian beekeeping. It builds multiple-comb nests in enclosed cavities and is well-adapted to tropical conditions.
Did You Know?
Indian honey bees can thermoregulate their hive by fanning their wings and have a unique defense called 'heat balling' where they suffocate hornet intruders.
Squirrel Flea
A common ectoparasite of eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels in North America. It is found in squirrel nests and tree cavities.
Did You Know?
This flea can survive several months without feeding while waiting in an abandoned squirrel nest.