Squirrel Flea vs Gracile Acerentomid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Squirrel Flea | Gracile Acerentomid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orchopeas howardi | Acerentomon nemorale |
| Order | Siphonaptera | Protura |
| Family | Ceratophyllidae | Acerentomidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 0.8-1.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Gracile Acerentomid
A delicate proturan found in European deciduous forest soils, particularly in beech and oak stands. It requires consistently moist soil conditions.
Did You Know?
Proturans are so small and obscure that the entire order was unknown to science until 1907.