100 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



with a double row of recurved hooks (See Fig. 1 b) by means of 

 which 1he parasite is attached to the host. Also provided with a slen- 

 der piercing tube by which blood is drawn from the host. Thorax 

 broader than long, widest next to the abdomen. Legs, long, adapted 

 for clasping. Basal joint of tarsus armed with a double plate bearing 

 fine transverse ridges. Abdomen usually flat and flask-shaped, but 

 variable according to degree of distention. A row of tubercles along 

 each side, in which the spiracles (breathing pores) are located. Along 

 each side of the upper surface a row of chitinous plates. There are 

 two brush-like organs on the under surface of the next to the last 

 abdominal segment, (See Fig. 1 d.) The upper surface of last 

 abdominal segment black. 



Males smaller and narrower than the females. There is a broad, 

 black stripe upon the under surface running from the posterior end 

 of the body forward to near the middle of the abdomen. (See Fig. 

 1 c.) The structure of the last segments of the abdomen of the sexes 

 is quite distinct. (See Figs. 1, c and d.) The general color of both 

 sexes is blue slate, though somewhat variable with sex, age and con- 

 dition. The head and thorax are brown or yellowish. The tubercles 

 at the sides and the chitinous plates chestnut. 



Eggs minute, elongate, oval, tapering toward the base, -which is 

 attached by adhesive material to the hairs near the roots. Surface 

 reticulate, the crossings armed with minute points. We do not know 

 the time required to hatch, nor the number of eggs laid. The eggs 

 are g-enerally called nits. (See Fig. 1 e.) 



The young escape from the upper end of the egg, which is pro- 

 vided with a cap-like lid. They are like the parents only smaller, and 

 as they mature develop the chitinous plates. 



LOXG-XOSED OX LOUSE. 



(Haematopinits vitula, Linn-ienuirostris, Burm.) 



Order Hemiptera: Family Pediculidae. 



History. 



In connection with the previous species, this louse has long been 



known to cattle men and entomologists, though often confused with 



it, as both are often found parasitic upon the same animal. The 



specimens we have received this winter have all been of this species. 



Description. 



About one-eighth of an inch long- and not more than one-third as 

 wide. (See Fig. 2.) The head oblong-, nearly four times as long as 

 wide, and widest in -the middle, just behind the antennae, set well 



