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western chicken flea
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western chicken flea

insect
Also known as: Ceratophyllus niger
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Quick Summary

The western chicken flea (Ceratophyllus niger) is a relatively large flea that breeds in hen droppings. As adults, they feed on the blood of various birds and mammals, including humans.1

Fleas, belonging to the order Siphonaptera, are small, wingless, blood-sucking insects that are significant carriers of disease and can be serious pests. They are ectoparasites, living on the exterior of their host. While many species exist, some common ones that affect people and livestock include the cat flea, human flea, dog flea, and sticktight flea. In the United States, poultry can be parasitized by the western chicken flea.2

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