526 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



task is achieved is described on the above-mentioned page, and 

 the reader will be the better able to understand the description if 

 he compares it with the illustration. 



The moth which has inhabited this leaf is called Gracillaria 

 semifascia. 



To return to our leaf-miners. 



Although the greater number of these insects belong to the 

 Lepidoptera, the rule is by no means a universal one. Manv 

 beetles are thus parasitic within the leaves of plants, and, as a 

 general rule, they belong to the family of Curculionidse, or wee- 

 vils. There are also several species of dipterous insects which 

 have this habit, among which may be named the Chrysanthe- 

 mum Fly (Tephritis ariemisice), which burrows into the leaves of 

 the flower. There is also a genus of flies called Phytomyza, i e., 

 Plant-sucker, the different species of which select particular plants, 

 and burrow between the membranes of their leaves. The holly, 

 for example, is infested by one species, the honeysuckle by anoth- 

 er, and the common hart's tongue by a third. 



We must now glance at a few of the insects that are parasitic 

 upon other animals. Their numbers are very great, but we must 

 restrict ourselves to those which construct some sort of a habita- 

 tion. 



The only insect which can be said to be parasitic on man, and 

 at the same time to form a habitation, is the celebrated Chigoe 

 {Pulex penetrans), otherwise called the Jigger, or Earth Fly. 

 This terrible pest is a native of Southern America and the West 

 Indian Islands, and is* too well known, especially by the negroes 

 and natives. 



This insect, which is closely allied to the common flea, and 

 much resembles it in general appearance, contrives to hide itself 

 under the nails of the fingers or toes, usually the latter. Having 

 gained this point of vantage, it proceeds very gradually to make 

 its way under the skin, and, strange to say, does so without caus- 

 ing any pain. There is a slight irritation, rather pleasing than 

 otherwise, to which a novice pays no attention, but which puts an 

 experienced person on his guard at once. 



The male Chigoe is innocent of causing any direct injury to 

 man, the female being the cause of all the mischief. As soon as 

 she is settled, her abdomen begins to swell until it becomes quite 



