A bit sparse the information on this little beastie, suffice to say that it is found on rabbits, usually around the ears, and is a carrier of myxomatosis.

This species can be distinguished from the cat and dog fleas by the almost vertical position of its genal comb and the rounded ends of the spines, compared with the horizontal position and sharp points found in the latter (see above). This is an eastern species, and is known to bite hunters and hikers. Similar species occur in the western region.

Although both flea sexes feed avidly and repeatedly on blood (a single male exception never feeds), they survive for various periods away from the host. The rabbit flea can live for nine months at temperatures around the freezing point without feeding. Some of the biology is below;

The host spectrum is wild hares, rabbits; rarely canids, felids and it's geographic distribution is worldwide.

Taxonomic classification:
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Siphonaptera
Genus: Spilopsyllus cuniculi (European rabbit flea)

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