Life cycle of Hyalomma dromedarii Ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) on cattle under Experimental conditions

Abstract

The life cycle of Hyalomma dromedarii (camel ticks) was studied on cattle under experimental conditions from March to July 2018 at range temperature 34.5 – 38.5°c and range relative humidity 21 - 47 %. It behaved as three-host tick and completed its life cycle in 97 – 131 at days. A total of 1500 larvae were fed 500 larvae for each cattle 1486 larvae were fed on cattle (99.07%). The larval feeding period was found to be 3 – 17 days at mean temperature 38.5°c and relative humidity 21% and larval moulting periods 14 – 16 days. 300 nymph fed on three cattle 296 nymphs were fed (98.7%) found nymph feeding period 3 – 10 days at mean temperature 35.4°c and relative humidity 26% and nymph moulting periods 14 – 15 days. 30 adult ticks were fed on three cattle that were able to feed all 100% adult ticks found adult ticks feeding period at mean temperature range 34.5°c – 35.5°c and relative humidity range 28 - 47% . while the pre-oviposition period 4 - 6 days and Pre-eclosion periods 16 -20 days. This type of ticks higher weight recorded engorged adult 0.961 grams and has given the highest numbers of eggs 9452 and the highest hatching rate 99.47% the engorged female recorded the lowest engorged weight 0.620 grams gave the lowest number of eggs 5461 and hatching rate 95.24%.