Sand Martin Flea vs Onchocerciasis Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Martin Flea Onchocerciasis Black Fly
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus styx Simulium damnosum
Order Siphonaptera Diptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Simuliidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sand Martin Flea

A flea species specific to sand martin colonies in their bank-nesting burrows. It can accumulate in large numbers in nest chambers.

💡

Did You Know?

Colony-nesting birds like sand martins provide an ideal environment for flea population explosions in shared burrows.

Onchocerciasis Black Fly

The primary vector of river blindness in West and Central Africa. Larvae thrive in oxygen-rich rapids of tropical rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

This species complex transmits the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which has blinded millions across Africa.