32 THE INSECT WORLD. 



the foreseeing mother has prepared at our expense to nourish her 

 young offspring. 



In four or five days in summer, and in eleven days in winter, 

 one may see coming out of these eggs small, elongated larvae, of 

 cylindrical form, covered with hair, and divided into three 

 parts, the last provided with two small hooks. The head 

 is scaly above, has two small antennas, and is without eyes. 

 These larvae are without limbs, but they can twist about, roll 

 themselves over and over, and even advance pretty fast by raising 

 their heads. Though at first white, they become afterwards of 

 a reddish colour. 



About a fortnight after they are hatched they cease to eat, 

 and are immovable, as if about to die. They then commence to 

 make a small, whitish, silky cocoon, in which they are trans- 

 formed into pupae. In another fortnight these pupae become perfect 

 insects. 



A most remarkable trait, and unique amongst insects, has been 

 observed in the flea. The mother disgorges into the mouths of 

 the larvae the blood with which she is filled. 



The flea is most abundant in Europe and the north of Africa. 

 Certain circumstances particularly favour its multiplication ; being 

 most abundant in dirty houses, in barracks, and in camps, in 

 deserted buildings, in ruins, and in places frequented by people of 

 uncleanly habits. 



Other kinds of fleas live on animals, as, for example, the cat 

 flea, the dog flea, and those of the pigeon and poultry. 



We shall say a few words about a peculiar species which abounds 

 in all the hot parts of America, but principally in the Brazils and 

 the neighbouring countries. This formidable species is the Chigo 

 (Pulex penetrans) . 



The chigo, called also the tick, is smaller than the common 

 flea. It is flat, brown, with a white spot on the back, and is armed 

 with a strong, pointed, stiff beak, provided with three lancets. 

 It is with this instrument that the female attacks man with the 

 intention of lodging in his skin and bringing forth her young there. 



The chigo attacks chiefly the feet. It slips in between the 

 flesh and the nails, or gets under the skin of the heel. Notwith- 

 standing the length of the animal's beak, introducing itself 



