Rabbit Flea vs Hedgehog Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rabbit Flea Hedgehog Flea
Scientific Name Spilopsyllus cuniculi Archaeopsylla erinacei
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Pulicidae Pulicidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rabbit Flea

A flea specific to European rabbits with a remarkable reproductive strategy tied to its host. It can transmit myxomatosis between rabbits.

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Did You Know?

Rabbit flea reproduction is controlled by rabbit hormones — the flea can only breed when feeding on a pregnant doe near the time of birth.

Hedgehog Flea

A large flea specific to European hedgehogs and one of the most abundant fleas in Western Europe. A single hedgehog can harbor hundreds.

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Did You Know?

Hedgehogs are so commonly infested that an average individual carries about 100 of these fleas.