Moorhen Flea vs Dimidiata Deer Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Moorhen Flea Dimidiata Deer Fly
Scientific Name Dasypsyllus gallinulae Chrysops dimidiata
Order Siphonaptera Diptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Tabanidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe West and Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Dimidiata Deer Fly

A medium-sized deer fly with distinctly banded wings, found in West African rainforests. It serves as a secondary vector of Loa loa alongside C. silacea. Larvae develop in muddy swamp soils near forest streams.

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Did You Know?

Wood smoke fires in villages are used traditionally to repel this fly, which is strongly attracted to dark moving objects.