Life cycle of Hyalomma anatolicum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) fed on rabbits, sheep and goats

Abstract

Some aspects of the biology of the tick Hyalomma anatolicum fed on rabbits, sheep and goats were studied. The non-feeding stages were maintained under laboratory conditions at 20-36°C and 75% relative humidity. The longest feeding periods of larvae and nymphs of H. anatolicum were observed when fed on rabbits (mean 4.58 ± 0.51 and 7 ± 1.15 days, respectively) while the longest feeding periods of females were observed on goats (9.61 ± 1.21). The pre-oviposition period (4.8 ± 0.42 days) and pre-eclosion periods (mean 21.3 ± 1.16 days) were shortest for females fed on rabbits. Engorged females reached heavier engorgement weights (482.92 ± 88.08 mg), and produced more eggs (4881.8 ± 842.71) when fed on rabbits. However, no significant differences were observed between the percentages hatchability of eggs laid by ticks fed on the three hosts studied. Most (94.31%) of the larvae fed on rabbits underwent a 2-host life cycle, while few (5.69%) of them behaved as a 3-host ticks. Few larvae were able to complete feeding as 3-host pattern on both sheep and goats, while the majority of the larvae failed to complete feeding or died on their way to molt on both sheep and goats.