Observations on the Subgenus Argas (Ixodoidea: Argasidae: Argas). 18. Haller's Organ Roof and Anterior Pit Setae

Abstract

Adults of 18 of the 22 species constituting the subgenus Argas, which parasitize birds nesting and resting in rocky habitats in each faunal region of the world (15 species) or in trees (e species) (2 Neotropical, 1 Nearctic), were studies by SEM. In each except three Neotropical species, the nine setae of the anterior pit of tarsus I are arranged in an anterior group (1 serrate, 1 setiform, 1 conical) and a posterior group (2 fine, e porose, 2 grooved), or the two groups are more or less confluent. Abnormally, additional setae may occur on one or both tarsi of a single specimen. In one Neotropical species, only the three anterior group setae are present. In three Neotropical species, only these three setae and a fourth seta are present (whether 6 or 5 additional setae are concealed within the tarsal structure should be investigated). The Haller's organ capsule is entirely open (unroofed) (3 species), roofed posteriorly and open anteriorly (7 species), or mostly roofed by a plate which is pierced by one large aperture and by more or less numerous, small, or medium-sized perforations (8 species plus one other not studied by use). This study suggests that the structure of Haller's organ has evolved in different lines in response to a multiplicity of biologic al factors related to the behavior and habitat of individual species.