Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
2.8 Subgenus Aborphysalis
General Characteristics
Aborphysalis species are H. aborensis, H. kyasanurensis, H. formosensis, H. ather-
urus, and H. capricornis. Adult Aborphysalis are ectoparasites of deer and pigs but
more frequently of porcupines, suggesting their coevolution with porcupines.
Aborphysalis palpi differ from those of most haemaphysalines except Segalia in
being broadly expanded in either larvae and nymphs or only in nymphs and com-
pact or campanulate in adults. In Ornithophysalis and Rhipistoma both adult and
immature palpi are broad. Adult Aborphysalis either have very small capitular,
coxal, and trochantal spurs as in H. capricornis, or moderate sized coxal spurs as in
the male of H. atherurus or moderately large coxal spurs in both sexes of H. abor-
ensis, H. kyasanurensis, H. formosensis; and the males also have trochantal spurs
ventrally as in H. formosensis. All capitular spurs (cornua and palpal segment III
ventrally) are much reduced and no other hair-hooking devices except the leg spurs
are present on these ticks. This unusual combination is likely to be associated with
the variety of quills, bristles, and soft and hard hairs in different areas of bodies of
these host genera. The reversal of the unusual immature-adult palpal form in
Aborphysalis is postulated to be a functional adaptation for co-existence with spiny
and quilled porcupines.
In India only two species, i.e., H. kyasanurensis and H. aborensis belonging to
this species have been recorded.
Keys to Identify Species of Subgenus Aborphysalis
Males
Palpi with posteroexternal juncture of segment II are forming a small but prominent
projection; ventral spur of segment III is not extending beyond intersegmental
suture; cornua are triangular, sharp apically; scutal punctations are obsolete or few
and obscure; coxal spurs are sharp apically; trochanter I ventral spur is distinctly
developed.............................................[H. kyasanurensis]
Palpi with posteroexternal juncture of segment II are at right angle or rounded
or forming a minute projection; ventral spur of segment III is extending slightly
beyond intersegmental suture; cornua are sub-triangular, bluntly pointed apically;
scutal punctations are moderately numerous; few centrally, coxal spurs are blunted
apically; trochanter I ventral spur is obsolete or indistinctly developed...................
[H. aborensis]
Females
Cornua are pointed apically; palpal segment II is with posteroexternal juncture
forming a prominent projection; coxa I spur is elongately triangular (extending
well beyond anterior margin of coxa II); scutal punctations are usually fewer and
not discrete....................................................................................[H. kyasanurensis]
