The effects of temperature and relative humidity on the development ofRhipicephalus appendiculatusNeumann (Acarina, Ixodidae)

Abstract

AbstractVariation in temperature affected the developmental periods of eggs, larvae and nymphs ofRhipicephalus appendiculatusNeum. and developmental periods were shortest at an optimum of 30°C. The periods increased as temperatures diverged from the optimum until upper and lower temperature limits were reached, when metabolism ceased. These limits were 16°C and 34°C for eggs, and 12°C and 41°C for larvae and nymphs.Generally, relative humidity did not affect the rate of development. It did, however, critically affect survival, particularly of eggs and larvae. The relative humidity range of 60–70% was critical, and below this range survival of the eggs and larvae was very limited. Nymphs and adults were more resistant, and natural tick populations probably survive hot and dry seasons in these stages.It was found that in a habitat with thick vegetation, temperature and humidity fluctuations were smaller than in one with sparse vegetation, and the former therefore supported a greater tick population. Denying cattle access to this thick vegetation or getting rid of it altogether seem to be possible methods of reducing the tick load of cattle in the area studied.