128 
CRABS AND INSECTS. 
Fic. 160.—Metamorphosis of the flea (Pulex irritans). 
DIST FITS 
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tl 
Fic. 161.—Lancets of the fe- 
male gnat : a, labium ; 4, 4, 
mandibles ; ¢, c, maxillz ; 
d, tongue; e, labrum, 
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 larve 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.—Ifa 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 
afew yearsago. Through a magnifying- 
glass they could be seen standing erect, 
drawing carriages in which were seated 
