176 BRAULA CiECA 



The larva from the egg has no true head. 

 Its tracheal system is also peculiar. 



The illustration (Fig. 56) is taken from a 

 photo-micrograph of 32 diameters ; the time 

 of exposure was one minute; the focal dis- 

 tance was 64 inches; and the objective used 

 was the 2-inch. 



Braula Caeca. 



Notwithstanding its name, this insect is not 

 blind. Its eyes are not so highly organised 

 as are those of many other insects, but it can 

 see over short distances, and that is all it 

 requires. 



It lives as a parasite on the honey-bee, and 

 is of necessity an exceedingly small creature, 

 Lucas says that it specially affects the thorax 

 of the bee. Miiggenburg believes it pays 

 special attention to the queen bee, because of 

 the exposed membranes between the segments 

 of the body. 



Boise, another observer, says that the 

 creature, not content with living on the bee, 



