APHANIPTERA

(Gr. i^av»7f, obscure, veripov, wing.) The name of an order of Apterous Haustellate insects, having rudimental elytra or wings in the perfect state, and undergoing a metamorphosis, resembling that of the Tiputidce, or crane-flies. The common flea (Pulex irritans, Lin.) may be regarded as the type of this order. The female flea ( Pulex irritans, Lin.) deposits a dozen eggs, of a white colour and rather [s. 74]