New species and new records of Argasidae from Israel. Observations on the rudimentary scutum and the respiratory system of the larvae of the Argasidae

Abstract

1. The dorsal plate which probably represents a rudimentary scutum in some Argasid larvae is discussed and described.2. The respiratory system of the larvae of some species of Argas and Ornithodorus is described.3. The systematic position of the lahorensis group of the genus Ornithodorus is discussed and the use of the name Alveonasus with an emended diagnosis for this group is suggested.4. Ornithodorus procaviae n.sp. is described. Two other probably new species are described provisionally, but not named.5. New records for other species of Argasidae in Israel are given.

Ticks of the subgenus Argas and findings of Argas latus in Israel

“…These larvae differed in a number of ways from A.reflexus , and were preliminarily attributed to A.hermanni . However, after examining some A. hermanni larvae from Egypt, Theodor & Costa (1960) found several differences from the larvae collected in Israel concerning the number of rows of hypostomal teeth, the palp formula and the shape of the cheliceral teeth. Our retrospective analysis of the description and examination of the figure in their paper ( Theodor & Costa 1960, pp.…”

“…Theodor & Costa (1960, 1967) also found a number of Argas larvae, mainly on Corvus rhipidurus , the fan‐tailed raven, in the Negev (30–31°N, 35°E) and more rarely on Coracias garrulus , the roller, and Streptopelia turtur , the turtle dove (localities of the latter species were not indicated). These larvae differed in a number of ways from A.reflexus , and were preliminarily attributed to A.hermanni .…”

“…From the subgenus Argas , two of its representatives, A.reflexus (Fabricius) and A.hermanni Audouin, have been found in Israel. A single A.reflexus female was collected near a pigeon cote in Jerusalem in January 1954 and a nymph probably belonging to this species was found under a stone in the central Negev ( Theodor & Costa 1960). A large number of A.reflexus ticks of different growth stages were found in dwellings in Eilat ( Ellenbogen & Cwilich 1962).…”

“…A large number of A.reflexus ticks of different growth stages were found in dwellings in Eilat ( Ellenbogen & Cwilich 1962). A female A.hermanni was found in Jerusalem in early May 1951 but its host was not known ( Theodor & Costa 1960).…”

Similarity in critical transition temperature for ticks adapted for Different Environments: studies on the Water balance of Unfed Ixodid Larvae

“…Beament (1959) has suggested that sealing the spiracles of living specimens with wax may minimize these effects, but resultant CTT transitions may actually represent phase changes in the sealer itself. Rather, tick larvae are ideal for investigating CTTs because this developmental stage lacks spiracles and organized respiratory and tracheal systems (Theodor and Costa, 1960;Kntille, 1966;Kniille and Devine, 1972). As such, they can be studied alive.…”