Tunga penetrans

Uncommon card · No. 133550

Tunga penetrans is a species of flea also known as the jigger, jigger flea, chigoe, chigo, chigoe flea, chigo flea, nigua, sand flea, or burrowing flea. It is a parasitic insect found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates. In its parasitic stage it can cause significant health issues for its hosts, including humans and certain other mammals. An infestation of T. penetrans is called tungiasis. Jiggers are often confused with chiggers, which are a type of mite and not related. The species is native to Central and South America, and has also been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Synonyms for Tunga penetrans include Sarcopsylla penetrans, Pulex penetrates, and many others.

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