54 



GUIDE TO INSECTS. 



Table- 

 case 49. 



character. They are extremely active. Drawings of some of the 

 most interesting species are exhibited in Table-case 49. The pupae 

 are very variable. 



In Table-case 49 will be found a few examples of Fleas 

 (Pulicidce), with drawings of the egg, larva and pupa of the 

 Common Flea (Pulex irritans) (fig. 59). 



A considerable number of different kinds of fleas are known. 

 Most of them live on Mammals and Birds, or are associated with 

 them. The larvae often breed in birds' nests, &c. The largest known 

 la talpw, is found in the nests of moles and field mice. 



Fig. 59. 



Egg, larva, pupa and imago of the common flea (Pulex irritans). 

 (Enlarged 20 times.) 



The Common Flea breeds in neglected dirty houses, and the 

 larvae, which are very active little creatures, have been found in 

 fluffy matter that had been allowed to collect between floor boards ; 

 also in old wooden bedsteads. 



The "Jigger" Flea (Sarcopsylla penetrans) is a much smaller 

 insect of a yellowish colour. It buries itself in the flesh of small 

 animals and man. It particularly attacks the toes, and if not 

 speedily removed causes a severe wound. Its body, partly by 

 sucking moisture and partly by the development of the eggs, 

 becomes greatly swollen, sometimes to the size of a small pea (fig. 60). 

 It is a native of tropical America, but has been introduced into Africa 



