Colonization and laboratory development of Otobius megnini (Acari: Argasidae).

Abstract

Laboratory colonization techniques for Otobius megnini (Duges) are reported on rabbits and cattle. All life stages were held in darkness at 26 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% RH, except unfed larvae, which were held at 85 ± 2% RH. Respective mean engorgement times for larvae and nymphs fed on cattle were 4.7 ± 2.1 and 38.2 ± 7.4 days. Molting success of larvae and nymphs was 92.1 and 98.1%, respectively. Engorged nymphs lost ca. 20% of their body weight before molting to adults. The mean female oviposition time and number of intermissions was 71.2 ± 13.5 and 12.3 ± 4.7 days, respectively. The mean number of eggs laid per female, egg incubation time, and hatch success was 789 ± 199.5, 12.4 ± 2.5 days, and 92.2 ± 7.4%, respectively. Number of eggs laid was significantly correlated with female weight, but a reproductive efficiency index and a conversion efficiency index revealed no significant correlation between the number of eggs laid per milligram female body weight and the milligram weight of eggs per milligram female body weight, respectively. Females were able to convert ca. 56% of their body weight to eggs. In addition, number of eggs laid by a female was significantly correlated with oviposition length.