The Subgenus Persicargas (Ixodoidea, Argasidae, Argas). Part 2. Ecology and Seasonal Dynamics of A. (P). Arboreus, Kaiser, Hoogstraal and Kohls in Egypt
Abstract
Argas (Persicargas) arboreus Kaiser, Hoogstraal and Kohls forms dense populations on trees supporting rookeries of the Cattle Egret, Bubulcus i. ibis (Linnaeus) in the Nile Delta and Valley and nearby oasis. Ticks bred in spring and summer during the egret nesting season. At this time, larvae and nymphs were the most abundant stages. When birds abandoned the rookery in autumn, larvae and first-instar nymphs disappeared. Later nymphal instars survived the winter. Adults constituted the major part of the winter population, but no oviposition occurred. The life cycle of ticks reared experimentally under outdoor conditions took 2-3 months in Cairo area summer weather. In winter oviposition ceased, fed larvae failed to molt, and nymphal premolting periods increased significantly. There were 2-4 nymphal instars. Males passed through fewer instars than females before the final molt. Survival periods for each developmental stage were determined. Survival of the tick population depends on the prompt return of host birds to their regular breeding colony in the spring.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1971
- Accession Number
- ADA286717
Entities
People
- Samir S. Guirgis
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Unit Three