Observations on the Subgenus Argas (Ixodoidea: Argasidae: Argas). 14. Identity and biological observations of Argas (A.) cucumerinus from Peruvian seaside cliffs and a summary of the status of the subgenus in the Neotropical Faunal Region

Abstract

Argas cucumerinus has been a “lost taxon” since Neumann (1901) briefly described 2 “adults” from Lima, Peru. One cotype, a poorly preserved male, has been selected as the lectotype; the other cotype is a large nymph. The taxon is here redescribed from adults of both sexes, nymphs, and laboratoryreared larvae from resting places of Peruvian pelicans and other birds on arid cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean in Pisco Province, Peru. A. (A.) cucumerinus is unique within the genus biologically: it is associated with marine birds; larvae feed to repletion within 7–25 min. (on pigeons and man) (vs several days for larvae of other Argas species) and become exceedingly large (ca 4–5 mm long); and adults and nymphs are active during daytime and literally run, elevated high over warm sand, on long, spiderlike legs, to reach a host. Structurally, the coralline-reticulated roof of Haller's organ of adults and immatures is also unique within the genus, as is the presence of 3 (rather than 7–10) setae in the anterior pit group of this organ. Diagnoses of this and 5 other described and 1 undescribed species of the subgenus Argas from South and Central America are provided; critical diagnostic characters of the adults are illustrated by scanning electron photomicrographs.