Rat Flea vs Moorhen Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rat Flea | Moorhen Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xenopsylla brasiliensis | Dasypsyllus gallinulae |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Pulicidae | Ceratophyllidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America, India | Europe |
| 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.
Moorhen Flea
A flea commonly found on small passerine birds including tits, wrens, and robins. It breeds in bird nesting boxes and natural cavities.
Did You Know?
This flea is so common in European bird nest boxes that ornithologists routinely find them when checking boxes during the breeding season.