Pigeon Flea vs Large Case Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pigeon Flea Large Case Moth
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus columbae Metura elongatus
Order Siphonaptera Lepidoptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Psychidae
Size 2-3 mm Case up to 15 cm long; male moth 2-3 cm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Large Case Moth

A bagworm moth whose larva builds a distinctive silk case covered in sticks and leaves. The wingless female never leaves her case, while males are small dark moths.

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Did You Know?

The wingless, legless adult female lives and dies inside her larval case after mating.