Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
each developmental stage varies depending upon the temperature, humidity condi-
tions, and from species to species. The fed females of Indian species after a period
of preoviposition continue oviposition for days together, sometimes ranging up to
30 days under the ambient temperature. In ticks there is a unique accessory genital
structure called Gene's organs which facilitate oviposition (
Figures 1.1
and
1.2
).
This organ has a balloon-shaped base provided with two anterolateral horns on
each side. During oviposition period this organ is extended from the genital open-
ing. During oviposition the eggs pass through the horns and get a wax coating. In
the hard ticks, there is only one gonotrophic cycle and the females that have under-
gone oviposition once cannot feed and oviposit for a second time. Following ovipo-
sition, hatching begins and the emerging larvae disperse to seek hosts. Attached
larvae take at least 2
3 days before they feed and drop from their hosts, find a
sheltered microenvironment, and undergo ecolysis (or molting). The unfed nymphs
seek hosts again. The engorged nymphs drop off their hosts, under molting in
Male
Dorsal
Ventral
Leg I
Palps
Basis capituli
Cornua
Cervical grooves
Genital aperture
Coxa &
trochanter I
Coxa &
trochanter II
Coxa &
trochanter III
Coxa &
trochanter IV
Leg II
Punctations
Conscutum
Leg III
Lateral grooves
Spiracular plates
Anus
Festoons
Female
Dorsal
Ventral
Porose areas
Cervical grooves
Punctations
Scutum
Alloscutum
Marginal grooves
Posteromedian
depression
Figure 1.1
External morphological characters of ioxid ticks.
