Western Chicken Flea vs Snow Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

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

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.

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.