Mole Flea vs Giant Armadillo Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mole Flea Giant Armadillo Flea
Scientific Name Hystrichopsylla talpae Tunga caecata
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Hystrichopsyllidae Tungidae
Size 4-6 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Caves Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mole Flea

The largest European flea, found on moles and other burrowing mammals.

💡

Did You Know?

At six millimeters it is easily visible to the naked eye unlike most flea species.

Giant Armadillo Flea

A burrowing flea related to the chigoe flea that parasitizes armadillos in South America. Like its relative, the gravid female embeds into the host's skin.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of only a few flea species in the world that burrows into its host's skin to feed and reproduce.