About Chigoe Flea
A tiny tropical flea whose fertilized females burrow into the skin of the feet, causing painful swelling called tungiasis. It is the smallest known flea.
Did You Know?
The female chigoe flea swells to the size of a pea after burrowing into skin, growing to nearly 100 times her unfed volume.
How to Identify Chigoe Flea
Chigoe Flea (Tunga penetrans) belongs to the order Siphonaptera, family Tungidae. Adults typically measure 1 mm.
Chigoe Flea Habitat
Chigoe Flea is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Africa, South America, Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Chigoe Flea Diet and Feeding
Chigoe Flea is a blood-feeding species that obtains nutrients by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals. Blood feeders have specialised mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
Where Is Chigoe Flea Found?
Chigoe Flea can be found in Africa, South America, Central America, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Chigoe Flea can be found
Is Chigoe Flea Dangerous?
Chigoe Flea is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals to obtain a blood meal. Bites can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases allergic reactions. Some blood-feeding insects are known to transmit diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites.
Chigoe Flea Role in Nature
Chigoe Flea plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Chigoe Flea are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Chigoe Flea
What does Chigoe Flea look like?
The Chigoe Flea typically measures 1 mm.
Where is Chigoe Flea found?
The Chigoe Flea is found in Africa, South America, Central America and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Chigoe Flea eat?
The Chigoe Flea feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals.
Is Chigoe Flea dangerous to humans?
The Chigoe Flea is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals. Some blood feeders can transmit diseases. Take precautions to avoid bites.
What is an interesting fact about Chigoe Flea?
The female chigoe flea swells to the size of a pea after burrowing into skin, growing to nearly 100 times her unfed volume.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Chigoe Flea (Tunga penetrans). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chigoe-flea
MLA:
"Chigoe Flea." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chigoe-flea.