Observations on the biology of Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (Acarina: Ixodidae) with particular reference to its mode of reproduction by parthenogenesis.

Abstract

Haemaphysalis bispinosa has been shown to reproduce by obligatory parthenogenesis. Male ticks were found to be scarce in both experimental and natural infestations, occurring in the ratio of one to approximately every 400 females. Dissections of five males showed that these produced no spermatozoa, irrespective of whether they were fed or not. Rates of development of the non-parasitic stages under controlled conditions are recorded.