A flea of the genus Echidnophaga (family Pulicidae), which when feeding attaches itself firmly to a host by burrowing its head deep below the skin, typically remaining in place for a prolonged period of time.
Origin
Early 20th century.
Definition of stickfast flea in US English:
stickfast flea
noun
Australian
A flea of the genus Echidnophaga (family Pulicidae), which when feeding attaches itself firmly to a host by burrowing its head deep below the skin, typically remaining in place for a prolonged period of time.