Fig (VII)
4.
Side view of female specimen of Ceratophyllus gallinula (Dale). and other allied species. Recently Dr.
Sharp has pointed out that the grouse-fly (O. lagopodis) is distinct from the ordinary bird-fly (O. avicularia). Its habits are rather difficult to investivate. It sucks the blood of the grouse, and very probably inoculates the bird with some of the protozoa which infest its blood. It buries its proboscis in the flesh of the grouse, and Dr. Fantham has shown that the salivary glands secrete an anti-coagulin. The adult imago burrows amongst the feathers of or the bird, and anyone handling grouse during the late summer is apt to disturb a fly or two. They come buzzing out, and often crawl up one's sleeve. Their feet (Fig. 5), although large, are very beautiful. Each is provided with a pair of really powerful hooks. Altogether, these insects have a sinister aspect, and they are very repellent