Northern Rat Flea vs Mouse Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Rat Flea Mouse Flea
Scientific Name Nosopsyllus fasciatus Leptopsylla segnis
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Leptopsyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Woodlands Indoors
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Northern Rat Flea

A flea of the Norway rat found in temperate climates, capable of transmitting murine typhus. It has a distinctive pronotal comb of spines.

💡

Did You Know?

This flea thrives in the cool conditions of sewers and basements, making it a persistent pest in urban rat populations.

Mouse Flea

A small flea that parasitizes house mice and other small rodents worldwide. It is commonly found in rodent nests in and around human dwellings.

💡

Did You Know?

It can transmit murine typhus from rats to humans in domestic settings.