Squirrel Flea vs Chigoe Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Squirrel Flea | Chigoe Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orchopeas howardi | Tunga penetrans |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Ceratophyllidae | Tungidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 1 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasites | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Africa, South America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Squirrel Flea
A common ectoparasite of eastern gray squirrels and flying squirrels in North America. It is found in squirrel nests and tree cavities.
Did You Know?
This flea can survive several months without feeding while waiting in an abandoned squirrel nest.
Chigoe Flea
A tiny tropical flea whose fertilized females burrow into the skin of the feet, causing painful swelling called tungiasis. It is the smallest known flea.
Did You Know?
The female chigoe flea swells to the size of a pea after burrowing into skin, growing to nearly 100 times her unfed volume.