A search for tick parasites in South Africa

Abstract

A detailed account is given of an expedition to South Africa undertaken by the author between 4th June and 17th October 1928 to obtain information on the parasites of ticks [ cf. R.A.E., B 18 1631.] A list is given of all the ticks collected, showing their hosts and the date and place of collection. Out of 260 lots, 13 were parasitized by Hunterellus hookeri, How. (Ixodiphagus caucurtei, du Buysson), the only parasite found, the species attacked being Hyalomma aegyptium, L., Rhipicephalus oculatus, Neum., R. evertsi, Neum., R. appendiculatus, Neum., an unidentified species of Rhipicephalus and one of Hyalomma. All the parasitized ticks were in the nymphal stage and were taken on hares (Lepus zuluensis) between 9th June and 30th September. Eight females of the parasite, adults of which had never previously been observed in nature, were found in the fur of a hare that had recently been shot.