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Updated: Nov 6, 2025
Tick Artificial Membrane Feeding for Ixodes scapularis
Published on: November 30, 2022
Double anus in an Ixodes scapularis nymph, a medically important tick vector
Vikas Taank1, Frank A Lattanzio2, Hameeda Sultana1,3,4
1Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Background:
Ixodes scapularis ticks are medically important arthropod vectors that transmit several pathogens to humans. The observations of morphological abnormalities, including nanism, missing leg, extra leg, and gynandromorphism, have been reported in these ticks. In this study, we report the presence of two anuses in a laboratory-reared I. scapularis nymph.
Results:
Larval ticks were allowed to feed on mice and to molt to nymphs. Two anuses were observed in one of the freshly molted nymphs. Stereo and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of two anuses in one nymph within a single anal groove.
Conclusions:
This report confirms the rare occurrence of double anus in I. scapularis.
