Sand Martin Flea vs Snow Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Martin Flea Snow Flea
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus styx Glaciopsyllus antarcticus
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Tundra & Arctic
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Oceania
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Snow Flea

A flea that parasitizes petrels and survives Antarctic conditions year-round.

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Did You Know?

It is the southernmost known flea, enduring temperatures far below freezing.