jigger flea

1 definition found

jigger flea - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Jigger \Jig"ger\ (j[i^]g"g[~e]r), n. [A corrupt. of chigre.]
     1. (Zool.) A species of flea (Tunga penetrans, or
        Sarcopsylla penetrans, or Pulex penetrans), which
        burrows beneath the skin; called also jigger flea. See
        Chigoe.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Any one of several species of small red mites
        (esp. Tetranychus irritans and Tetranychus Americanus)
        of the family Trombiculidae, which, in the larval or
        leptus stage, burrow beneath the skin of man and various
        animals, causing great annoyance. Also called chigger.
        [Southern U. S.]
        [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]