The life cycle of Argas (Argas) africolumbae under constant abiotic and biotic conditions

The developmental and reproduction pattern as well as the nondiapause behaviour of Argas (Argas) africolumbae, reared on domestic chickens and held at 27 degrees C and 90% RH, indicate that there may be 2-3 generations annually. The minimum incubation period of eggs requires 16.2 days (mean), irrespective of the day of oviposition. Larvae feed for 5-6 days and moult 10.2 days after detaching to N1. Generally, there are only 2 nymphal instars. All N1 develop to N2 13.7 days after feeding. After repletion, N2 moult to males and females within 28.3 days with a ratio of 1.12:1.0. Female determined N1 and N2 are always heavier (1.13 mg and 3.81 mg, respectively) and imbibe larger bloodmeals (4.19 mg and 17.45 mg, respectively) than male N1 and N2 (0.9 mg and 2.71 mg unfed weight and 3.04 mg and 12.33 mg bloodmeal size, respectively). Fed females begin to oviposit 9.5 days after engorgement and produce 102.9 eggs during a 14-day oviposition period.