FLEAS. 



55 



them. The larvae often breed in birds' nests, &c. The largest known 



flea, Hysirichopsylla talpm, is found in the nests of moles and field mice. 



The Common Flea breeds in neglected dirty houses, and the 



Fig. 61. 



Egg, larva, pupa and imago of the common flea (Palcx irritans). 

 Fie. 62. 



Jigger flea (Sarcopsylla penetrans). Female with the abdomen distended. 



larvte, which are very active little creatures, have been fouud in 

 fluffy matter that had been allowed to collect between floor boards ; 

 also in old wooden bedsteads. 



The " Jigger " Flea (Sarcopsylla penetrans) is a much smaller 



