Ixodoidea, or Ticks 63 
spiracles are very small; coxae unarmed; tarsi without ventral spurs, 
and the pul villi are absent or rudimentary. 
In habits and life history' the Argasidae present striking characteris¬ 
tics. In the first place, they are long-lived, a factor which counts for 
much in the maintenance of the species. They are intermittent 
feeders, being comparable with the bed-bug in this respect. There are 
two or more nymphal stages, and they may* molt after attaining matu¬ 
rity. The female lays comparatively' few eggs in several small batches. 
Nuttall (1911) concludes that “The Argasidae represent the rela¬ 
tively^ primitive type of ticks because they' are less constantly para- 
46. Argus persicus. Dorsal and ventral aspects. (X 4). After Hassell. 
sitic than are the Ixodidae. Their ny'mphs and adults are rapid 
feeders and chiefly' infest the habitat of their hosts. * * * Owing 
to the Argasidas infesting the habitats of their hosts, their resistance 
to prolonged starvation and their rapid feeding habits, they do not 
need to bring forth a large progeny', because there is less loss of life 
in the various stages, as compared with the Ixodidae, prior to their 
attaining maturity.’’ 
Of the Argasidae, we have in the United States, several species 
which have been reported as attacking man. 
Argas persicus, the famous “Miana bug’’ (fig. 46), is a very widely 
distributed species, being reported from Europe, Asia, Africa, and 
Australia. It is every "where preeminently a parasite of fowls. 
