46 
The Queensland Naturalist August, 1932 
Ectoparasites are interesting on account of their special- 
ised parasitic habits, peculiar life histories, and because 
of their important role in acting as carriers of disease in 
man and animals. In order to assist members I am includ- 
ing a, summary of the habits, distribution, and most suit- 
able methods of collecting and preserving the more import- 
ant groups. 
Siphonaptera (Fleas ). — About forty species of fleas 
have been found in Australia, of which seven are intro- 
duced. the others being parasitic on native animals. Par- 
ticularly interesting species are found on the Native Water 
Pat. Wombat, Echidna, Squirrels, Marsupials, Pats, and 
Rodents. Adult fleas can usual lv be found on their hosts, 
but generally speaking, a bettor hunting ground is the nest 
or burrow. The eggs are laid freely, not attached to the 
body of the host, and usually while the host is resting in 
its nest. The larva is an elongate, cylindrical grid) which 
feeds on dust or refuse and in< a short time spins a small 
cocoon in which it ruinates, giving rise to the adult flea. 
Py collecting some of the refuse in the bottom of the nests, 
and placing it in small tubes or boxes, the adult fleas are 
easily bred, and this is probably the easiest method of col- 
led ion. 
Anoplura ( Lire) Vovy 1 i 1 1 1 e alien lion has been paid 
to the collection and sludv of Anoplura in Australia, with 
the result that only about 100 species are known, of which 
about 20 have been introduced. Practically all native and 
introduced species of birds and animals harbour at least 
one, and sometimes several, species of lice. Unlike the fleas 
the whole of the life cycle is passed on the host, the eggs 
being attached to the ha»rs or feathers. From the eggs 
emerge the nymphs, which resemble the adults in appear- 
ance. and which continue to live on the host. The lice live 
by sucking the blood of their host, or bv feeding on the 
epidermal scales , and exudations from the skin. 
Dipl era (Wallaby Flies , Sheep “Tiel\" etc.) .—The**' 
curious parasitic flies are found on marsupials, bats and 
birds, and there is an introduced species on sheep 
erroneously called the Sheep “Tick.” Very often tliev 
are wingless, and as they possess long legs and a small 
hairy body, tliev resemble spiders or ticks. Tliev are vivi- 
parous and the larvae are well developed when born. They 
immediately pupate and the small rounded pupae are often 
mistaken for eggs. 
A Carina, (Ticks and Mites ). — These Arachnids are very 
common on native animals, birds, bats and reptiles, and 
also on certain introduced animals. Their life histories vary 
