Physical and Biological Factors Affecting the Longevity and Oviposition of Engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus Female Ticks

摘要: Daily changes in weight and egg output were determined for engorged Rhipicephalus san- guineus females held under different combinations of temperature humidity from the day they dropped dogs until their death. Longevity was temperature-dependent, shortened sig- nificantly by a high saturation deficit between 20 30 C. Temperatures below 10 C above 40 tolerated only short periods; maximum longevity occurred at Egg related to tick. The number laid single female 5,414. Eggs deposited 15 with most being In magni- tude, constant as detrimentally cold production 35 hot. Regardless temperature, amount moisture atmosphere, down completely desiccating conditions, did not affect production. markedly extended pre-ovi- position oviposition periods. A few absorbed some an atmosphere 93% relative 25 pre-oviposition periods C, length period affected physical environment, biological factors such or total output. usually reached peak days after laying began, quickly eggs on positively laid. optimal conditions darkness dryness.