Rat Flea vs Chigoe Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rat Flea | Chigoe Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xenopsylla brasiliensis | Tunga penetrans |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Pulicidae | Tungidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 1 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America, India | Africa, South America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rat Flea
A tropical rat flea found across Africa and South America that can transmit plague. It is second to the oriental rat flea in importance as a plague vector.
Did You Know?
Despite its name suggesting Brazilian origin, it is most commonly found on rats throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Chigoe Flea
A tiny tropical flea whose fertilized females burrow into the skin of the feet, causing painful swelling called tungiasis. It is the smallest known flea.
Did You Know?
The female chigoe flea swells to the size of a pea after burrowing into skin, growing to nearly 100 times her unfed volume.