Studies on the behaviour of unfed blue tick larvae (Boophilus decoloratus)

Abstract

Ticks "are not merely annoying pests but surpass all other anthropods in the number and variety of disease agents for which they are carriers (Chandler 1955). This statement is certainly true of Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), the blue tick, which is probably one of the most important ticks in South Africa. Various studies have been made on the blue tick in Africa, among which are investigations on taxonomy (Hoogstraal 1956); distribution (Theiler 1949 and 1962); ecology (Kraft 1961); disease transmission (Neitz and du Toit 1938; du Toit 1947; Neitz 1956 a and b); control and resistance to insecticides (du Toit, Graf and Bekker 1941; Whitnall and Bradford 1947; Whitehead 1958 and 1959) To date, the behaviour of Boophilus decoloratus has not been studied to any extent. The aim of the present work is to analyse the behaviour of the unfed larvae into its constituent patterns in order to determine what are the significant environmental factors which affect this behaviour. It is also hoped that the present laboratory studies might help in understanding their behaviour in the field. Intro., p. 1.