Laboratory investigations on the life-cycle of the Karoo paralysis tick (Ixodes rubicundus Neumann, 1904)

Abstract

Detailed data on the rearing of three groups of Ixodes rubicundus ticks at different temperature and humidity levels are presented in a series of tables and figures. The differences between the life-spans are seen to be dependent mainly upon the temperature. The average duration of 405 days at relatively high temperatures is extended to 1115 days at lower temperatures. The reason for the mortality rate of approximately 96% of the immature stages in all groups during the prefeeding, feeding and premoulting periods is obscure.