The Biology of Ceratophyllus fasciatus Bosc., the Common Rat-Flea of Great Britain

Abstract

In view of its possible relation to the epidemiology of plague, a knowledge of the biology of the common rat-flea of England, Ceratophyllus fasciatus Bosc, is much to be desired, and therefore, at the request of Professor Niittall, the present investigation was undertaken. The observations recorded below are mainly the result of experimental work with fleas conducted in the Quick Laboratory, Cambridge; but before proceeding to a description of the experiments it is considered advisable to give a short summary of the life-cycle of the rat-flea.