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 larve, 
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 antenne, 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 pup. In another fortnight these pupz become 
perfect insects. 
A most remarkable trait, and unique among insects, has been 
observed in the flea. The mother disgorges into the mouths of 
the larvee 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 inten- 
tion 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 
