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

Abstract

The life cycle of Hyalomma dromedarii (camel ticks) was studied on sheep under experimental conditions from June to October 2018 at temperature between (27.4°c - 35.5°c) and relative humidity between (28 % - 56 %). It behaved as threehost tick and completed its life cycle in (95 – 139) days. Atotal of 1500 larvae were fed on three sheep,(500 larvae on each sheep), 1400 larvae were fed on sheep (93.3%). The larval feeding period was found to be (3 – 17) days at mean temperature 34.5°c and relative humidity 47% and the larval moulting periods (12 – 13) days. 300 nymph fed on three sheep (100 nymph on each sheep) 288 nymphs were fed (96%), nymph feeding period was found to be (4 – 10) days at mean temperature 27.4°c and relative humidity 56% and nymph moulting periods (13 – 15) days. 30 adult ticks were fed on three sheep (10 adult tick on each sheep) that all adult ticks were able to feed 100% and adult tick feeding period at mean temperature 35°c and relative humidity 41%. While the preoviposition period (4 – 6) days and Pre-eclosion periods (16 - 21). This type of ticks higher weight recorded engorged adult 0.635 grams and has given the highest numbers of eggs 5870 and the engorged female recorded the lowest engorged weight 0.243 grams gave the lowest number of eggs 1674 the highest hatching rate 97.8% and lowest hatching rate 93.6%.