Repeated Feeding of Amblyomma hebraeum (Acarina: Ixodidae) Immatures on Laboratory Hosts. Host Effects on Tick Yield, Engorged Weight and Engorgement Period

Abstract

Rabbits and sheep are unable to acquire resistance to larvae and nymphs of A. hebraeum. After repeated infestation of hosts there is no progressive decline in tick yield or engorged weight of fed ticks. Seasonal fluctuations in engorged weights occur, with the weight declining in early to midwinter and increasing in early to midsummer. Changes in host physiology as a result of low temperature acclimatization appear responsible for the fluctuations. Tick yield is determined by the amount of grooming undertaken by hosts. The feeding periods of larvae and nymphs are dependent on the skin temperature of the host.