Effect Of Unfed Female Weight On The Biology Of Hyalomma (Hyalomma) Impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Unfed female Hyalomma (Hyalomma) impeltatum Schuize and Schlottke in 4 different weight groups of 2.6-5.0, 6.2-10.0, 10.3-14.7 and 15.2-22.3 mg, respectively, were investigated for the effect of unfed female weight (UFW) on certain biological parameters. The results showed that the duration of the preoviposition period was not affected by UFW. The correlation coefficient values for each of the feeding and oviposition periods and of the engorged female weight and egg mass weight in relation to UFW varied greatly among the different weight groups but was positive for the pooled data. The conversion efficiency of unfed females weighing 5.0 mg or less was lower than that of larger females. However, the egg mass weight was strongly correlated with engorged female weight, and the conversion efficiency index was similar for all weight groups of unfed females weighing 6.2 mg or more as well as the pooled data. The oviposition pattern for the different weight groups (except for females weighing 5.0 mg or less) and pooled data appeared similar and lacked peak oviposition values. The results obviate the necessity of accurate random sampling or specifying the UFW when studying ixodid biology.