Rabbit Flea vs Northern Rat Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rabbit Flea Northern Rat Flea
Scientific Name Spilopsyllus cuniculi Nosopsyllus fasciatus
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Pulicidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North America, Asia
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.

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.