Abstract
Sutherst R. W. 1987. The dynamics of hybrid zones between tick (Acari) species. International Journal for Parasitology 17: 921–926. A simple genetic model is used to explore the potential roles of hybrid sterility and ecological competitiveness in the geographical displacement of one species of ixodid tick by another. Assortative mating is shown to be important in determining whether the more competitive colonising species becomes established. Two examples involving Boophilus and Amblyomma ticks on cattle in southern Africa are explored. The model shows that displacement of B. decoloratus by B. microplus, in the time scale observed in the field, can be explained by hybrid sterility combined with the faster population growth rates of B. microplus on cattle in high rainfall areas. Apparent parapatric boundaries between species of Amblyomma and of Rhipicephalus in Africa may also be explained by hybrid sterility. A greater awareness of the possible occurrence of hybrid zones is needed when studying tick zoogeography. Experimental measurements of the relative advantages of competing species, coupled with further modelling studies, will be helpful in understanding the role of hybrid sterility in determining the distribution of ticks.
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