214 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
NEST BUGS 
The nest bug or dovecote bug Cimex (Acan- 
thia) columbara is a species closely related to 
the bed bug and which also attacks pigeons and 
fowls. Sitting hens suffer severely. Both this 
species and bed bugs are held in check by the 
routine measures recommended in combating 
mites. C. tmodorus occurs in Mexico, New 
Mexico and Texas. 
LARVAL BEETLES ATTACKING HENS AND PIGEONS 
men Tenebrio molitor is a beetle the larve of 
which have been reported as attacking sitting 
ai 44. a, Dovecote hens and pigeons. Pigeons have been reported 
eee i. Sie as subject to the attack of larve of Dermestes 
(Railliet) lardarius and other larve of the genus Necro- 
phorus and genus Stlpha. These coleopterous larvee develop in the 
manure of the dovecote, attack the skin of the squabs on the neck and 
abdomen and even the superficial muscles. The wounds become in- 
fested with fly maggots and are frequently fatal. The presence of 
the larvee may be prevented by cleanliness. Wounds may be treated 
with antiseptics. 
RED MITES 
Synonyms. Poultry mite, chicken mite, roost mite. 
Hosts. Pigeons, fowls, turkeys, pheasants, domesticated mam- 
mals and man are subject to attack by the parasites. 
General nature. The common poultry mite, Dermanyssus gal- 
line in general, infests birds only temporarily while they are on 
the roost. It is a blood sucker, and be- 
sides causing loss of blood, induces intense 
irritation. 
Individual mites are barely visible to 
the unaided eye, but owing to the habit of 
collecting in masses, they are easily de- ' 
tected, especially when engorged with “‘, 2° Pre p ae 
blood and colored red. When not en- sus gallinw). Greatly 
gorged, they are gray in color. Ween puiehonp and 
