128 



CRABS AND INSECTS. 



FIG. 160. Metamorphosis of the flea (Pulex irritans). 



two simple eyes. The eggs of 

 the cat-flea are eight or ten in 

 number, ovaL and ^ of an inch 

 long. The larva resembles a 

 minute caterpillar, and has four 

 long hairs on the side of each 

 joint, In twelve days in sum- 

 mer, in which time the larvae at- 

 tain their full growth, they in- 

 close themselves in a small silken 

 cocoon, remaining in this condi- 

 tion from eleven to sixteen days, 

 finally appearing in the pupa 

 form. 



NOTE. If a man could jump as high 

 in proportion as a flea, a leap over the 

 Capitol at Washington would be an easy 

 feat. A flea can draw one hundred times 

 its weight, and so easily tamed are these 

 minute creatures that a trained compa- 

 ny of them was exhibited in New York 

 a few years ago. Through a magnifying- 

 glass they could be seen standing erect, 

 drawing carriages in which were seated 



FiG. 161. Lancets of the fe- 

 male gnat : a, labium ; #, d, 

 mandibles ; c, c, maxillae ; 

 d, tongue ; e, labrum. 



