Small, wingless ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Body covered with numerous spines and bristles. Commonly found on dogs, cats and rodents. Preserve in alcohol or mount on points. Head prolonged into a snoutlike beak.
Males carry the tip of the abdomen curled up over the dorsal side like a scorpion but are harmless.
Most common species in Texas has orange or yellow wings with dark stripes. Easily collected in the fall with a net, especially in areas of thick vegetation near water. Pin through thorax slightly to the right. Range in size from 1 mm to over 5 cm. Second largest order of insects.