Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Hypostome is long and narrow; corona is moderate; dental formula is 2/2 or 3/3,
with seven or eight denticles in each file.
Scutum: Scutum is rounded, slightly wider than long. Cervical grooves are sub-
parallel, extending more than half-length of scutum. Only nine distinct festoons are
present. Genital and anal grooves are much as in female; posterior arm of anal
groove does not reach festoons.
Larva (
Figures 2.32 and 2.33
)
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Length is 0.55 mm, width 0.41 mm.
Capitulum: Basis capitulum is dorsally twice as wide as long; cornua are not
apparent; sub-rectangular ventrally with posterior margin convex. Hypostome is
narrow; dental formula is 2/2, with six or seven denticles in each file; corona
lacking.
Scutum: Scutum is 1.6 times as wide as long. Outline, number, and disposition
of setae are as illustrated. Dorsal integument is with 11 distinct festoons.
Related Species
24
Among known Indian species, H. howletti appears to be closest to H. campanulata.
Hoogstraal refers to the long, narrow ventral spur of palpal segment III of H. how-
letti as an excellent characteristic to distinguish it from H. campanulata. Other dis-
tinguishing characters are the expanded inner margin of palpal segment II dorsally,
and the outline of the female scutum. H. howletti differs from H. silvafelis, which
has a dorsobasal spur on palpal segment III. From H. doenitzi and H. megalaimae,
H. howletti can be easily distinguished by lesser salience of palpal segment II and
the long, narrow ventral spur on palpal segment III. In the nymphal stage, H. how-
letti is closest to H. doenitzi on one side and to H. kutchensis on the other. From
H. doenitzi it differs in having a lesser salience, and more curved posterior and
lateral margins of palpal segment II and by the larger cornua. From H. kutchensis it
is easily separated by greater salience of palpal segment II and smaller ventral spur
on palpal segment III. In addition, the coxal spurs of H. howletti are blunt and
broad, while those of H. kutchensis are somewhat pointed and narrower. The larva
also closely resembles H. kutchensis. The chief difference is the slightly wider
salience of palpal segment II.
Host
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Immature stages: Rodents, birds, rats, field mice, crow pheasant, palm squirrel.
Adults: Mongoose, rodents, bird species, hill pony, rat, field mice.
Distribution
24,120
India (Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand), Pakistan.
