FLEAS. 



57 



There are perhaps no insects more remarkable than the species of 

 Nycteribiidcz, which are spider-like wingless creatures with very long 

 legs and large curiously-formed claws, and are parasitic on bats. 

 Another very small, closely-allied insect which should be noticed is 

 Braula cceca, which attaches itself to bees. 



Considerable attention has been given of late to the biting and Table- 

 blood-sucking flies. Besides the gnats already referred to, some of case 50 * 

 the most troublesome are the biting midges : Culicoides puiicaris is 

 one of the commonest (fig. 61). Species of Simuliwn are also serious 

 pests in many localities. Specimens are exhibited in Table-case 50. 



Fig. 61. 



Fig. 62. 



Culicoides puiicaris. 

 (Greatly enlarged.) 



Glossina 



longipennis. 



(Slightly enlarged.) 



Among the Tabanida, or Horse-flies, species of ffcematopota and 

 Chrysops are well-known biters, while Stomoxys, a genus of blood- 

 sucking Muscidte, includes several extremely troublesome and widely 

 distributed species. Closely allied insects are the Tsetse-flies, Glossina, 

 which are a serious menace to the development of Africa, since by 

 means of their bite, the parasites causing sleeping sickness and 

 nagana (Tsetse-fly disease among animals) are conveyed (fig. 62). 

 There are several species. 



A small series of flies will be found in Drawers 16-19 of a 

 cabinet on the west side of the gallery. 



