Life-history metrics of Ornithodoros turicata (Acari: Argasidae) fed exclusively on swine blood through an artificial membrane system.

Abstract

Ornithodoros turicata (Dugès) originating from Texas was reared under laboratory conditions by feeding each post-embryonic stage defibrinated swine blood through an artificial system using Parafilm M without the use of phagostimulants or blood treatments. Beginning with 300 larvae, adult ticks emerged following blood feeding of N5, N6, and N7 nymphs with a total yield of 15 males and 16 females. Membrane feeding success and molting at each feeding are described. Comparison is made of available published bionomic data for O. turicata fed on laboratory animals. Applications of artificial feeding for argasid tick species are discussed.