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SIPHONAPTERA. 145 
Packard mentions receiving specimens from Dr. Wagner, of St. Peters- 
burg, labeled ‘Strix sp., Murgab, Suiran-Beir, 5, v, 1893,” and calling 
attention to this widely different host suggests that the species has been 
carried from one region to another by means of birds. 
From what has so far appeared it would seem that this pest is likely 
to become a very important one, at least through tropical and subtropical 
regions. 
This species differs from penetrans in having the hind angles of the 
metathoracic scales angled instead of rounded and the eyes and 
antennz in the posterior half of the head. It is from 1 to 14 milli- 
meters in length. But little is known as to its life history, and the 
following observations by Judge Johnson include all that I have 
met with in regard to this phase of the subject and methods of 
treatment: 
‘‘Like all fleas, it abounds mostly in shady places, under old houses, 
on earthen floors, and in all 
dusty, untidy spots. Hence 
from analogy when some 
years ago my attention was 
called to the subject by poul- 
try breeders, I advised to have 
all such places closed up, and 
to deprive the fowls of all 
shade except such places as 
could be rained upon. Those 
who acted upon this advice Fic. 76.—Sarcopsylla gallinacea: male, enlarged: ant, 
were rewarded. Losses from antenne; m, palpi, more enlarged (from Insect Life, 
this cause were reduced to a 9 “™*"™ ®Y Packard). 
minimum. It was also seen that animals frequenting wet spots in 
Summer were exempt from the pests. 
‘*First observed to infest young animals, such as chickens, turkeys, 
kittens, puppies, and even calves and colts and children. I proposed 
for it the name of Pulexr pallulorum; but whilst it is true the young 
suffer most, because possibly less able to defend themselves, it is by no 
means confined to chem. 
“In general appearance, size, color, and form greatly resembling a 
flea, popular observation notices one considerable difference—it does 
not hop. Closely examined, we find the femoral portion of the third 
pair of legs but slightly developed. Hence its motions resemble more 
the crawling of a wingless fly than that of our well-known active 
jumper. 
“In its habits of feeding it differs from the ordinary flea. Instead of 
making an incision at which to lap blood, and from which it may 
quickly remove to another spot, our Florida variety plants itself where 
it intends to stay, like a tick. As tothe males I can not say. Much of 
my information is second hand. The notion that these do not bite, 
which prevails with some persons, or at least that they do not stick, 
4653—No,. 5—-10 
