An Assembly Pheromone and its Perception in the Tick Ornithodoros Moubata (Murray) (Acari: Argasidae)1

Abstract

Female Omithodoros moubata (Murray) produce a pheromone that induces assembly of males, and males produce a pheromone that induces aggregation of males and, to a lesser extent, of females. The female pheromone can be extracted in 0.9% NaCl but not in the organic solvents pentane, ether, acetone or methanol. Activity is not lost after 3 months storage at −25°C or 5 min. at 100°C. Removal or painting of the 1st tarsi reduces the assembly response; removal of the palps completely eliminates assembly.