HISTIOGASTER 515 



Acari have an elliptical body, which is grey, but varies from 

 greenish-yellow to greenish-brown when the stomach is full. Eyes 

 are absent. The legs are composed of five segments and terminate 

 with a claw. The males measure 0*18 mm. in length by 0*08 mm. 

 in breadth, and possess genital and anal pores ; the females measure 

 0*2 mm. in length by 0^09 mm. in breadth. 1 [This is also known as 

 coolie itch and is common in Indian tea plantations. F. V. T.] 



Genus. Histiogaster, Berlese, 1883. 

 Histiogaster (entomophagus?) spermaticus, Trouessart, 1900. 



The genus Histiogaster, which also approaches the Tyroglyphince, is 

 characterized by the circumstance that the males possess suctorial pores 

 used in copulation, as well as leaf-shaped appendages at the posterior end 

 of the body. They feed on vegetables, especially on small fungi. 



FIG. 366. Histiogaster (entomophagus ?) spermaticus: on left, male; on light, female both 

 from the abdominal aspect. 200/1. (After E. Trouessart.) 



This species has been described by Trouessart, 2 who found 

 numerous specimens, some adult, others in the developmental stage 

 (larvas, nymphs), and ova, in the fluid removed by puncture from 



1 Dalgetty, A. B., "Water-itch; or Sore Feet of Coolies," Journ. Trop. Afed., 

 1901, iv, p. 73. 



2 Trouessart, E. R., Comft. rend. Soc. Biol., Paris, JQCO, lii, pp. 742-744, 893, 894; 

 Arch, de Par., 1902, v, pp. 449-459. 



