Redescription of Amblyomma integrum adults and immature stages

Med Vet Entomol. 2016 Sep;30(3):330-41. doi: 10.1111/mve.12178. Epub 2016 Jun 23.

Abstract

Amblyomma integrum Karsch, 1879 (Acari: Ixodidae) is one of four Amblyomma Koch, 1844 species with eyes found in southern India and Sri Lanka. The immature stages of this species were poorly described. Therefore, accurate identification is difficult. Here we re-describe the male, female, nymph and larva of A. integrum and illustrate all the stages in greater detail for the first time. A set of diagnostic morphological characters is defined to distinguish this species from other sympatric species of eyed Amblyomma in any parasitic stage of development. Adults of A. integrum parasitize mostly various larger mammals whereas nymphs and larvae use mostly larger and medium mammals. Amblyomma integrum is recorded from India (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Orissa and Tamil Nadu States) and throughout Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Amblyomma integrum; adults; description; larva; nymph.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • India / epidemiology
  • Ixodidae / anatomy & histology*
  • Ixodidae / growth & development
  • Ixodidae / physiology*
  • Ixodidae / ultrastructure
  • Larva / anatomy & histology
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Mammals*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nymph / anatomy & histology
  • Nymph / growth & development
  • Nymph / ultrastructure
  • Sri Lanka / epidemiology
  • Tick Infestations / epidemiology
  • Tick Infestations / parasitology
  • Tick Infestations / veterinary*