Moorhen Flea vs Western Chicken Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Moorhen Flea Western Chicken Flea
Scientific Name Dasypsyllus gallinulae Ceratophyllus niger
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America
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.

Western Chicken Flea

A poultry flea common in western North America that infests chickens and other domestic birds. Heavy infestations reduce egg production and can kill young chicks.

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Did You Know?

Larvae develop in accumulated nest debris and droppings in poultry houses rather than on the bird itself.