Sticktight Flea vs Moorhen Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sticktight Flea Moorhen Flea
Scientific Name Echidnophaga gallinacea Dasypsyllus gallinulae
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Pulicidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 1-2 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sticktight Flea

A small flea that permanently attaches to the skin of poultry, often around the face and comb. It can also parasitize dogs, cats, and humans.

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Did You Know?

Unlike other fleas, the female embeds her mouthparts permanently into the host and never voluntarily detaches.

Moorhen Flea

A flea commonly found on small passerine birds including tits, wrens, and robins. It breeds in bird nesting boxes and natural cavities.

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Did You Know?

This flea is so common in European bird nest boxes that ornithologists routinely find them when checking boxes during the breeding season.