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HEN FLEAS. 



Xcstopsylla galliiiacea (Westw.). 



By J. F. lUingworth, Ph. D., Professor of Entomology, 

 College of Hawaii. 



Apparently these fleas are rather recent arrivals in the Terri- 

 tory; the entomologists not having noticed them prior to 1913. 

 The earliest specimens in the College collection were taken in 

 November of that year. It would be interesting to know just 

 when and how they were brought in, and how widely they are 

 distributed in these Islands. Looking to this end, the College 

 of Hawaii would welcome any definite information, on these 

 points, from poultry owners or others. Just a postcard, stating 

 when you first noticed the fleas and giving the locality, will 

 assist greatly in making the survey. 



Unlike ordinary fleas, this species has a habit of attaching it- 

 self, permanently, while feeding; hence they are easy to catch, 

 although hard to pull off from the skin. They have been called 

 the "hopless flea," but this is a misnomer, at least, when they 

 are not attached. Active specimens are able to jump out of a 

 jar 5 inches high. 



HOSTS, 



Although these are called the hen fleas and their normal hosts 

 are poultry, they will, apparently, attack any other animals that 

 come within their range. They have been recorded from dogs, 

 cats, horses, rats, owls and man. They are particularly fond of 

 young animals, and, hence, sometimes very annoying to children. 

 Young cats and dogs often have their ears covered with theni. 

 In East Africa it was found that 22.5 per cent of the fleas attack- 

 ing rats belonged to this species, hence, they were thought to be 

 an important agent in the distribution of this pest. Recently, 

 the writer discovered that the English sparrows, that flock m 

 the chicken houses to the feed boxes, are also infested ; and 

 these may act as a rapid agent of carrying them from house to 

 house. 



DISTRinUTION. 



Although Westwood described this species as an inhabitant of 

 India, in 1874. it is now pretty generally distributed around the 

 world ; favoring tropical and sub-tropical regions. It has been 

 recorded in the southern U. S. since 1890; and <me record 

 extends as far north as Minnesota. Since these fleas are found 

 in California it is (juile probable that they came to us, on poultry, 

 from the Coast. 



