Abstract
Efficiency of a technique for artificially feeding nymphs and adults of the argasid tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus Koch on various substances through a Parafilm membrane is described. Ticks would not probe or feed through the membrane unless it was covered with a thin layer of hair, and guinea pig hair elicited the highest engorgement rate among several types of hair compared. Optimal temperature for feeding ticks was 37–39°C. Excellent engorgement rates (87–90%) were obtained with bovine red blood cells, fetal calf serum, glutathione solution, and a solution composed of 75% minimum essential medium and 25% fetal calf serum. All ticks that fed on these substances secreted coxal fluid and survived for 3+ mo. Several females fed on fetal calf serum laid viable eggs, and most nymphs or adults fed on this substance readily refed within 28 d.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
