Oriental Rat Flea vs Blue Striped Nettle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Oriental Rat Flea | Blue Striped Nettle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xenopsylla cheopis | Parasa lepida |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pulicidae | Limacodidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Oriental Rat Flea
The primary vector of bubonic plague, responsible for transmitting the bacterium Yersinia pestis between rats and humans. It is a small, dark brown flea found on rodents.
Did You Know?
This flea species was responsible for transmitting the Black Death, which killed an estimated one-third of Europe's population.
Blue Striped Nettle Grub
A small moth with vivid green forewings edged in dark chocolate brown. The caterpillar is bright green with blue longitudinal stripes and bears venomous urticating spines that cause intense pain.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's sting is so painful it is compared to a wasp sting, and the venomous spines can cause welts lasting several days.