Effects of Photoperiod on Reproduction, Nymphal Developmental Timing, and Diapause inAmblyomma maculatum(Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Female engorgement weight, oviposition, and molting times of larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) were studied at various photoperiods under constant humidity and temperature in the laboratory. Ticks were held at photoperiods of 0:24, 10:14, 12:12, or 14:10 (L:D) h from egg through unfed nymphal stage and then at either the same or a different regime from fed nymphs to adults. No significant effects were observed on oviposition, female engorgement weights, survival, or molting time to unfed nymphs. Nymphal molting times were significantly shorter at the short-day regime (10:14) during the larval stage and 12:12 during the nymphal stage compared with those held at either 14:10 during both life periods or at 0:24 during both life periods. Longer molting times also were observed in ticks held at 12:12 during the larval phase and either 10:14, 12:12, or 0:24 during the nymphal phase compared with 14:10 during both life periods or 0:24 during both life periods. Ticks held at 10:14 during the larval phase and at 0:24 or 10:14 had longer molting times compared with those at 14:10 or 0:24 during both life periods. No differences in survival to either nymphal or adult stages were observed at any regime, and at day 25 no individuals were observed to be in developmental diapause. This study demonstrates that developmental diapause does not seem to be photoperiodically induced in fed nymphal A. maculatum in the laboratory.