THE APPETENCE BEHAVIOR OF 2 SOUTH-AFRICAN PARALYSIS-INDUCING IXODID TICKS

The appetence responses of the ixodid ticks Ixodes rubicundus and Rhip icephalus punctatus to various stimuli were quantified under laborator y conditions. A greater percentage of I. rubicundus generally responde d to the different stimuli at lower than at higher temperatures while the converse was usually true for R. punctatus. Radiation heat and sha dowing evoked a response in the greatest percentage of I. rubicundus, whereas CO2 and host odour were responsible for a similar reaction in R. punctatus. A single perturbation of the substrate caused more than 50% of I. rubicundus to respond while constant perturbation resulted i n a progressive decrease in the proportion of ticks reacting. Signific antly more R. punctatus than I. rubicundus were attracted to a CO2 tra p and the R. punctatus were also attracted to the trap over a greater distance. Significantly more older than younger ticks of both species responded to the various stimuli.