Scanning electron microscope study of a snake tick, Amblyomma gervaisi (Acari: Ixodidae)

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies on both male and female tick, Amblyomma gervaisi (Lucas 1847) inhabiting the snake Naja naja were made. Detail of the surface structures as seen under SEM exhibit sexual dimorphism and were compared with other tick species as reported. SEM observations show characteristic alloscutal ornamentation, inornate festoons, triangular licking organ, size of the hypostome, round Haller's organ, genital plate oval in male and slit-like in female, and prominent marginated anal plate. The findings of the present study address the diversity in surface ultrastructure among snake ticks which would help in tick biosystematics.