50 



Description — Reddish-brown, compressed, strongly chitinized 

 body; ocelli present, a comb of blunt black spines — seven to nine — 

 on lower border of each side of the head and of posterior border of the 

 thorax; no wings; legs long and stout, coxae being remarkably 

 developed, fitted for leaping. Mouth parts in the form of a rostrum 

 or beak enclosing the serrated mandibles fitted for puncturing, maxil- 

 lae, and labium. 



Life history — Eggs scattered in dust, in cracks and in sleeping places 

 of the host. Veriform footless larvae, with sparse covering of hairs, 

 feeds on dead organic matter. In 10-12 days spins a silken cocoon, 

 pupates, and adult emerges in 10-12 days more. Under optimum 

 conditions entire life cycle may be completed in two weeks. 



Control — As a household pest, controlled largely by cleanliness 

 and exclusion of dogs and cats. May be necessary to spray carpets 

 and floors with benzine. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas 

 has been practiced with success. 



Sarcopsylla gallinacea, the chicken flea, — Widely distributed in 

 warmer climates; is a serious pest in some of the southern states. 

 Unlike ordinary fleas, the chicken flea attaches itself firmly to its 

 host but it does not burrow under the skin as does the chigoe or true 

 "chigger". Both male and female parasitic to the same extent; 

 attach themselves to the head, around the eyes, and neck of young 

 chickens in great numbers causing knots, lumps, and sores. 



