Biological and physiological characterization of in vitro blood feeding in nymph and adult stages of Ornithodoros turicata (Acari: Argasidae)

Journal of Insect Physiology
Hongyuan ZhengJingze Liu

Abstract

Biological and physiological aspects of blood feeding in nymph and adult Ornithodoros turicata were investigated using an in vitro technique combined with electrophysiological recordings and respirometry. The duration of blood feeding through a Parafilm® membrane was similar (19.2-22.6 min) in both developmental stages. The mean (±SD) size of blood meal ingested by nymphs, females, and males was 44.2±17.9, 150.6±48.7, and 74.2±36.9 mg, respectively, representing a 2.5-, 2.8- and 3.0-fold increase from their respective unfed weights. Electrophysiological recordings of the pharyngeal pump during blood feeding revealed that ticks ingested blood at a rate of 6.1-6.4 suctions per second. Mean blood volume ingested per suction was 0.013 μl in females and 0.007 μl in both males and nymphs. Blood meal size (mg) correlated with unfed body weight (mg) (r(2)=0.50, p<0.05) and with blood volume ingested per suction (r(2)=0.71, p<0.05). Unfed ticks exhibited a circadian ventilation rhythm with discontinuous gas exchange pattern during the daytime and continuous pattern during nighttime. Mean standard metabolic rates (SMR, V̇(CO2)) in unfed nymphs, females and males of 1.4, 3.0 and 0.9 μl h(-1) increased to 2.0, 5.7 and 2.4 μl h(-1), respect...Continue Reading

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Citations

Sep 15, 2016·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Gabriel Cerqueira Alves CostaRicardo Nascimento Araujo
May 31, 2019·Experimental & Applied Acarology·Gabriel A LandulfoLivio M Costa-Junior
Dec 28, 2018·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Kimberley J MathotShinichi Nakagawa
Feb 6, 2017·Medical and Veterinary Entomology·H J KimP D Teel

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