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Simple in-vitro feeding system for northern fowl mites (Acari: Macronyssidae)
J F Carroll1, K W Young, W A Bruce
1Livestock Insects Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Abstract:
The use of Parafilm membranes for in-vitro feeding of northern fowl mites, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago), is described. A membrane stretched in two perpendicular directions, folded, heat-sealed, inflated, and twisted at the ends to form a sphere allowed a high percentage (greater than 80%) of surviving adult female mites to feed on whole chicken blood. A high percentage (7 of 10) of protonymphs also fed through the membrane. Mites were able to feed from the same sac for 3 d and oviposited on the sac. This technology has potential applications for use in rearing O. sylviarum and other hematophagous arthropods, and for physiological experimentation.
Insights
Researchers developed a Parafilm membrane feeding method for northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum). This technique successfully allowed adult mites and protonymphs to feed on chicken blood, showing promise for mite rearing and research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Arthropod Rearing
Background:
- Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) are significant poultry pests.
- Effective in-vitro feeding methods are crucial for studying mite biology and control.
- Previous methods may have limitations in efficiency or applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel Parafilm membrane-based in-vitro feeding system for Ornithonyssus sylviarum.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this system for feeding adult and immature mites.
- To assess the potential of the system for mite rearing and physiological studies.
Main Methods:
- A Parafilm membrane was stretched, folded, heat-sealed, inflated, and twisted into a spherical sac.
- Whole chicken blood was used as the nutrient source within the membrane sac.
- Feeding success rates for adult female and protonymph mites were recorded.
Main Results:
- Over 80% of adult female Ornithonyssus sylviarum successfully fed through the Parafilm membrane.
- A high proportion (70%) of protonymphs also fed using this membrane system.
- Mites fed from the same sac for up to 3 days and exhibited oviposition.
Conclusions:
- The Parafilm membrane feeding system is highly effective for in-vitro feeding of Ornithonyssus sylviarum.
- This method supports mite survival, feeding, and reproduction, indicating its suitability for rearing.
- The technology holds potential for advancing research on O. sylviarum and other blood-feeding arthropods.