Chigoe flea
Scientific Name: Tunga penetrans
Order & Family: Siphonaptera: Tungidae
Size: Approximately 1mm (before feeding or burrowing)
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical environments with sandy, dry soil, often near beaches or farms.
Diet & Feeding
Blood from mammals, including humans, birds, and livestock.
Behavior Patterns
The female flea burrows into the skin of a host, usually on the feet or hands, to feed and lay eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Can cause tungiasis, leading to inflammation, itching, and secondary infections; medical attention is recommended for removal.
Identified on: 1/3/2026