Northern Rat Flea vs Pigeon Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Rat Flea Pigeon Flea
Scientific Name Nosopsyllus fasciatus Ceratophyllus columbae
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe, North America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Pigeon Flea

A flea found in pigeon nests and dovecotes that can bite humans in infested buildings. It thrives in the accumulated droppings and debris of pigeon roosts.

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Did You Know?

Urban pest controllers frequently encounter it when clearing pigeon infestations from building interiors.