Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Capitulum: Basis capitulum is twice as wide as long; outline as in nymph. Palpi
are as in nymph. Infrainternal seta is single. Hypostome is essentially as in nymph,
except that dental formula is 3/3, with seven or eight denticles in a file; margins
are gradually rounded.
Scutum: Cervical grooves are parallel and extend to mid-length of scutum.
Legs: Coxa I is with faint basal ridge, II with faint subbed ridge, and III lacking
spur or ridge.
Related Species
This species is morphologically related to H. sundrai, H. nepalensis, and H. sulcata.
The curved coxal spurs of H. kashmirensis are unique to the species and different
from the other two species in having very large cornua in male, distinctive basolat-
eral palpal ridge, and large ventral spur of palpal segment III.
Ecology
Hoogstraal and McCarthy collected the specimens recorded above in the Shogran and
Naran areas of Pakistan during the months of April and May (spring), August (sum-
mer), and September and October (autumn). Infestation patterns during other months
of the year are not known. During spring, adults and large numbers of nymphs were
taken from animals. In August, larvae and numerous nymphs were found. During
autumn, males, females, nymphs, and larvae were collected on animals. These data
suggest that immature stages may be most active during warmer months and those
adults may feed chiefly during some of the cooler months of the year.
The known altitudinal range of H. kashmirensis in Pakistan is from 5,000 to
10,000 ft. In two collecting areas, Shogran and Naran, there is fairly heavy rain in
late June and July. However, August and September are quite dry, and particularly
at Naran the days are clear. At 10,000 ft and above, the terrain is arctic-alpine in
nature, both at Shogran and at Naran. Snow remains on the ground at least 8 months
of the year at Naran, and for probably 7 months at Shogran. The climate in both
areas is much colder than in central Europe except at alpine elevations. For exam-
ple, within a mile of Naran, at 7,800 ft elevation, glaciers are present throughout
the year. The valley at Naran is an area of glacial till. At Naran, April is still win-
ter, and so is most of May. Several of the collections of adult H. kashmirensis in
Pakistan were made from domestic animals in narrow valleys through which
nomadic tribesmen pass with large herds of goats, sheep, cattle, and camels. The
lizard Agama tuberculata is common among large rocks near streams, on forested
hillsides, and in cleared cultivated areas; it was infested by numerous larvae and
nymphs of H. kashmirensis in each of these situations.
Host
51,60,120
Immature stages: Agama lizards, rodents, flying squirrel, rat (Rattus rattoides
Hodgson, 1845), mice (Mus musculus homourus Hodgson).
Adults: Goat, sheep, cattle.
