Rat Flea vs Yam Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rat Flea | Yam Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xenopsylla brasiliensis | Theretra oldenlandiae |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pulicidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America, India | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia |
| 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.
Yam Hawk Moth
A widespread tropical hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and contrasting dark and light lateral body stripes. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including yams and grape vines.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the most polyphagous hawk moths, with larvae recorded feeding on plants from more than a dozen different families.