Aphaniptera

pl. [Gr. aphanes, obscure, and pteron, a wing.] (Zool.) A Linnæan order of Apterous haustellate insects, having rudimental elytra or wings in the perfect state. It is composed entirely of the different species of Fleas. forming the family Pulicida; the common Flea ( Pulez irritans ) being the type of the order. The female flea deposits a dozen eggs, of a white color and rather viscous texture, from which are hatched long, worm-like grubs, destitute of feet, which are very active in their motions, winding themselves in a serpentine manner through the substance in which they may be deposited. When full-grown, the larvæ enclose themselves in a small cocoon of silk. In this they pa into a pupa state, and in about 12 days emerge a perfect file a. In hot countries these insects are exceedingly troublesome; but in the West Indies and S. America there is an insect belonging to the family, which is even more obnoxious; this is the Chigoe, Pulex pene trans, which lives in the open country, and attacks the naked feet both of men and dogs.