White-Stockinged Black Fly vs Hedgehog Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-Stockinged Black Fly Hedgehog Flea
Scientific Name Simulium vittatum Archaeopsylla erinacei
Order Diptera Siphonaptera
Family Simuliidae Pulicidae
Size 2-5 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions North America Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White-Stockinged Black Fly

A widespread black fly species complex with distinctive white-banded legs. Larvae colonize almost any flowing water from irrigation ditches to large rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly encountered black fly species in laboratory research.

Hedgehog Flea

A large flea specific to European hedgehogs and one of the most abundant fleas in Western Europe. A single hedgehog can harbor hundreds.

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Did You Know?

Hedgehogs are so commonly infested that an average individual carries about 100 of these fleas.