Immature argasid ticks: diagnosis and keys for Neotropical region

摘要: Many argasid tick species are known only through their larval descriptions, in which the chaetotaxy, together with other external morphological characteristics, has been used to separate genera and species. However, illustrations of these features based on optical microscopy alone many not clearly defined. Because difficulties determining nymph stages some genera, we have prepared illustrated keys for immature argasids, including an up-to-date list Neotropical region. We also included key larvae Ornithodoros from Brazil, scanning electron microscopy.