Laboratory Study of Anocentor Nitens (Neumann) (Acarina: Ixodidae), the Tropical Horse Tick

Abstract

The parasitic stages of Anocentor nitens (Neumann), the tropical horse tick, were reared on stanchioned bovines maintained in the laboratory in an environment of 21°–27°C and 60–80% RH. A fine-mesh cloth was glued to the animal in order to confine closely all stages on the host. The length of the parasitic cycle was 25–35 days, and the percentage yield of engorged ♀♀ based on the numbers of larvae placed on the host averaged 6.4% (range 1.6–13.4%). Individual engorged ♀♀ were held at 27°C and >80% RH, and eggs were counted and/or weighed daily. The preoviposition period ranged from 2–4 days, the oviposition period ranged from 9–17 days, and the average number of eggs laid/♀ was 3353 (range 2285–3970). The rate of egg deposition increased from day 1 until it peaked on day 3, then it decreased throughout the remainder of the oviposition period. A highly significant correlation (r = + 0.918) existed between the weight of the ♀ and the number of eggs laid. The average incubation period was 20.8 days (range 19–22 days).