Moorhen Flea vs Sticktight Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Moorhen Flea Sticktight Flea
Scientific Name Dasypsyllus gallinulae Echidnophaga gallinacea
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Pulicidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions
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.

Sticktight Flea

A small flea that permanently attaches to the skin of poultry, often around the face and comb. It can also parasitize dogs, cats, and humans.

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Did You Know?

Unlike other fleas, the female embeds her mouthparts permanently into the host and never voluntarily detaches.