Snow Flea vs Western Chicken Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snow Flea Western Chicken Flea
Scientific Name Glaciopsyllus antarcticus Ceratophyllus niger
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Oceania Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Western Chicken Flea

A poultry flea common in western North America that infests chickens and other domestic birds. Heavy infestations reduce egg production and can kill young chicks.

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Did You Know?

Larvae develop in accumulated nest debris and droppings in poultry houses rather than on the bird itself.