The tribe _Aphaniptera_ was formerly considered to be a separate order,
but it is now generally included among the _Diptera_ on account of the
similarity in the transformations besides other considerations. There
is only one family.
_Family 39, Pulicidæ._--To this family belongs the numerous species of
fleas which infest different kinds of animals.
The Human Flea (_Pulex irritans_) is familiar to every one. It gets its
living by sucking our blood, and is of great annoyance, particularly in
hot weather. The blisters which it raises on various parts of the body
are exceedingly irritating.
[Illustration: Fig. 156.--Pulex Irritans (Mag.)]
The Dog Flea (_Pulex canis_) and the Cat Flea (_Pulex felis_) are
distinct from the above, and are chiefly confined to those animals,
although they do not disdain to vary their diet occasionally with human
blood.
The Jigger or Chigoe (_Sarcopsylla penetrans_) is abundant in the
West Indies and in South America. It is sometimes very annoying to
travellers, burrowing deeply under the skin. The body of the female is
capable of attaining to the dimensions of a pea.
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Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
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