Studies on the Ecology of Haemaphysalis silacea Robinson 1912 (Acarina: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Haemaphysalis silacea Robinson is known to be established only in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, in localized areas of Fish River Bush in the river valleys and in the coastal bush complex. In the Kowie River valley, it was shown that the distribution of larvae is limited by microclimatic conditions. The humid leaf litter zone in the dense vegetation on the river banks and along minor tributaries is the focus of the larval population. Nymphs are most numerous in drier microhabitats on the wooded, river floodplain. Larvae are active during the humid conditions of autumn and early winter, nymphs during late winter and spring, and adults during the hot, dry summer months. The main hosts of H. silacea are artiodactyls, which are numerous in the dense Fish River Bush. The host/tick interaction occurs as a result of the daily movements and feeding habits of the hosts.