DETACHMENT RHYTHMS OF IMMATURE IXODES-RUBICUNDUS FROM THEIR NATURAL HOST, THE ROCK ELEPHANT SHREW (ELEPHANTULUS-MYURUS)

Detachment rhythms of immature Karoo paralysis ticks (lxodes rubicundu s) from their natural host, the rock elephant shrew (Elephantulus myur us), were investigated under laboratory and natural conditions. Larvae and nymphs detach mainly during the day. Peak detachment always occur red after the commencement of artificial as well as natural light cycl es. The detachment of larvae appears to be more synchronous than that of nymphs, with a larger percentage of larvae detaching over a shorter period of time. The detachment rhythms of l. rubicundus are strongly correlated with the activity patterns of their hosts. This enhances no t only the survival, but also the dispersion and host contact of subse quent stages.