Influence of temperature and humidity on the reproductive efficiency of Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 (Ixodoidea, Ixodidae)
Petrelli, G.; Crestini, A.M.
Parassitologia 18(1-3): 85-94
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-2951 PMID: 1032336 Document Number: 109796
Reproductive efficiency, in terms of the number of eggs produced per mg body weight, of female ticks was studied in the laboratory in Italy using Ixodes ricinus (L.) and Hyalomma marginatum Koch, which in nature have differing seasonal activity and geographic distribution. The effect of temperatures of 18-30 deg C for I. ricinus and 25-32 deg C for H. marginatum and relative humidities of 75 or 95% for both species on reproductive efficiency was also studied. The results indicated that, I. ricinus, the number of eggs deposited per mg female body weight did not differ significantly between 18 and 20 deg C but was lower at 25 and 27 deg C and nil at 30 deg C; for H. marginatum, the number of eggs per mg female weight did not differ significantly between 25 and 30 deg C. The critical weight value for oviposition (minimum weight of an engorged female necessary for oviposition to begin) differed greatly between the 2 species and was influenced by temperature and humidity.