The Subgenus Persicargas (Ixodoidea: Argasidae: Argas) 21. The effect of some factors in the process of mating on egg development and oviposition in A. (P.) arboreus Kaiser, Hoogstraal & Kohls1

Abstract

Injection of male accessory gland and/or testis extracts into the hemocoel of fed, virgin female Argas (Persicargas) arboreus induced ova development and ovulation as in normally mated females. Ovulated eggs degenerated in the ovary lumen, oviduct, and uterus, and no oviposition occurred. Testis extract induced migration of 14–30% of the ovulated eggs to the uterus. Insertion of silica gel beads into the female uterus and copulation with male A. (P.) persicus did not mechanically stimulate ova development. In studies of oögenesis, oviposition, or virus survival in A. (P.) arboreus, the syringe needle should not injure the vagina; such injury stimulates ova development in virgin females and interferes with oviposition in mated females.