Jigger flea / Chigoe flea

Found in dry, sandy soil, dust, and floors in tropical and subtropical regions including parts of Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

Both sexes feed on blood of warm-blooded hosts; the female embeds herself in the host's skin to feed and mature eggs.

Unlike other fleas, the female burrows into the skin of a host (often the feet) where she stays for life. She produces thousands of eggs which are shed into the environment as she remains embedded.

Causes tungiasis, resulting in severe inflammation, itching, and pain. It can lead to secondary infections like tetanus or gangrene if left untreated. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem or humans.