First report of abnormal morphology in the tick Dermacentor dissimilis (Acari: Ixodidae) and evidence of molt nymph-adult on hosts from Nicaragua

Abstract

A total of 10 females and 6 males of Dermacentor dissimilis were collected from horses and cows in Nicaragua. Four of these females presented malformations, while two nymphs were in the process of molting to adult. Further studies are necessary to find out whether this phenomenon is widespread among D. dissimilis specimens, and what the reasons for such malformations could be. Moreover, further research is necessary to better understand the life-cycle of D. dissimilis.

Keywords

• Dermacentor dissimilis,malformations,ectromely,two-hosts tick

References

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