Chemoreceptor Organs Used in Detection of Pheromone(S) of the Tick Amblyomma Hebraeum (Acarina: Ixodidae)

Abstract

The morphology of the sense organs of male Amblyomma hebraeum Koch, which have been shown to produce assembly pheromone(s), were studied using a scanning electron microscope. Similar morphological studies had been done with females. Removal of the palps or 1 of the 2 tarsi did not reduce the assembly response of the ticks to the pheromones. Ticks from which both tarsi had been removed or painted over failed to respond to assembly pheromones. Studies carried out using a choice olfactometer showed that olfactory receptors, situated in the sensilla of Haller's organ, detect the presence of the pheromones.