Northern House Mosquito vs Mole Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern House Mosquito Mole Flea
Scientific Name Aedes hexodontus Hystrichopsylla talpae
Order Diptera Siphonaptera
Family Culicidae Hystrichopsyllidae
Size 5-7 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Caves
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Siberia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Northern House Mosquito

A dark-colored Arctic mosquito with distinctive banding on the abdomen. It breeds in tundra pools and is a major pest species in northern regions. Females are aggressive biters, active even in cool temperatures.

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Did You Know?

This species can complete its entire larval development in as little as two weeks in the continuous daylight of Arctic summer.

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.