Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae): Oviposition, Egg Viability, and Larval Longevity in Grass and Wooded Environments of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Oviposition, egg viability, and larval longevity for Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) were observed in four field environments and the laboratory. Field environments were shaded woods and unshaded grass areas at Boqueron and Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Annual rainfall is 750–1,250 mm in Boqueron and 1,250–1,850 mm in Cabo Rojo. Relative humidity of the soil surface and temperature were measured. The Weibull cumulative distribution function was used to express egg incubation and larval longevity for the field environments. In the Boqueron woods and the Cabo Rojo grass and woods environment, oviposition and egg viability were similar. Mean period of survival off the host from female engorgement and detachment to larval death in the Boqueron grass and woods and Cabo Rojo grass and woods was 82, 102, 108, and 111 d, respectively. In extreme temperature and relative humidity of Boqueron grass, oviposition, egg viability, and larval longevity were reduced.