Tundra Mosquito vs Rat Flea
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Mosquito | Rat Flea |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aedes impiger | Xenopsylla brasiliensis |
| Order | Diptera | Siphonaptera |
| Family | Culicidae | Pulicidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland, Svalbard, northern Alaska | Africa, South America, India |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tundra Mosquito
A small but abundant Arctic mosquito with dark body and pale leg bands. It is one of the most northerly distributed mosquito species in the world. Larvae inhabit shallow tundra ponds warmed by continuous summer sunlight.
Did You Know?
This mosquito has been found breeding at latitudes above 80 degrees north, among the most northerly insects on Earth.
Rat Flea
A tropical rat flea found across Africa and South America that can transmit plague. It is second to the oriental rat flea in importance as a plague vector.
Did You Know?
Despite its name suggesting Brazilian origin, it is most commonly found on rats throughout sub-Saharan Africa.