lOS HANDBOOK OF ANTS, BEES, ETC. 



Family 39, Pulicidce. — To this family belongs the numerous 

 species of fleas which infest different kinds of animals. 



The Human Flea {Piilex irritans) is familiar to every one. It 

 gets its living by sucking our blood, and is of great annoyance, 

 particularly in hot weather. The blisters which it raises on 

 various parts of the body are exceedingly irritating. 



The Dog Flea {Fulex ca7iis) and the Cat Flea {Fulex felis) are 



Fig. 156. — Pulex Irritans (Mag.) 



distinct from the above, and are chiefly confined to those animals, 

 although they do not disdain to vary their diet occasionally with 

 human blood. 



The Jigger or Chigoe {Sarcopsylla penetrans) is abundant in 

 the West Indies and in South America. It is sometimes very 

 annoying to travellers, burrowing deeply under the skin. The 

 body of the female is capable of attaining to the dimensions of a 

 pea. 



Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld.. London and Aylesbury. 



