Mole Flea vs Hedgehog Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mole Flea Hedgehog Flea
Scientific Name Hystrichopsylla talpae Archaeopsylla erinacei
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Hystrichopsyllidae Pulicidae
Size 4-6 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mole Flea

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

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Did You Know?

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

Hedgehog Flea

A large flea specific to European hedgehogs and one of the most abundant fleas in Western Europe. A single hedgehog can harbor hundreds.

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Did You Know?

Hedgehogs are so commonly infested that an average individual carries about 100 of these fleas.