THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST Monograph No. 1 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST Monograph Series EDITORIAL STAFF Theodor Just Botany Editor, University of Notre Dame Edward A. Chapin Entomology U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. Kenneth W. Cooper Cytology and Genetics Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey Carroll Lane Fenton Invertebrate Paleontology Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J. John Hobart Hoskins Paleobotany University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio Remington Kellogg Mammalogy U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. Jean Myron Linsdale Ornithology Hastings Reservation, Monterey, California George Willard Martin Mycology State University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa Karl Patterson Schmidt Ichthyology and Herpetology Chicago Natural History Museum, Chicago, Illinois Harley Jones Van Cleave Invertebrate Zoology University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois r r THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST Monograph No. 1 n©. / Edited by Theodor Just Published by the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. The Argasidae of North America, Central America and Cuba By R. A. COOLEY (Senior Entomologist) and GLEN M. KOHLS (Associate Entomologist) VV $ S>\£AL L T* y
/v
Contribution from the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamil-
ton, Montana. Division of Infectious Diseases, National
Institute of Health, United States Public Health Service.
J
0
The University Press
Notre Dame, Ind.
June, 1944
Copyright, 1944
by
The American Midland Naturalist
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Ind.
CONTENTS
Introduction
The Medical and Veterinary Importance of the Argasidae 3
Explanation of Terms 4
Principal Characters of Argasidae. Figure 1 6
Methods 7
Family Argasidae Canestrini 1 I
Key to the Genera '-
Genus Argas Latreille ' 3
Key to Species of Argas 13
Argas reflexus (Fabricius) 14
Argas persicus (Oken) 1/
Genus Otobius Banks -'
Otobius megnini (Duges) 21
Otobius lagophihls Cooley and Kohls 32
Genus Ornilhodoros Koch 37
Key to Species of Ornilhodoros 3/
Ornilhodoros savignyi (Audouin) 38
Ornilhodoros eremicus Cooley and Kohls 40
Ornilhodoros coriaceus Koch 42
Ornilhodoros hermsi Wheeler, Herms, and Meyer 46
Ornilhodoros nicollei Mooser 50
Ornilhodoros cooleyi Mclvor 52
Ornilhodoros luricuta (Duges) 56
Ornilhodoros parf(eri Cooley 62
Ornilhodoros vumalensis Cooley and Kohls 74
Ornilhodoros brodvi Matheson 80
Ornilhodoros talaje (Guerin-Meneville) 82
Ornilhodoros concanensis Cooley and Kohls 88
Ornilhodoros stageri Cooley and Kohls "I
Ornilhodoros dveri Cooley and Kohls 95
Ornilhodoros amblus Chamberhn 99
Ornilhodoros rudis Karsch 101
Ornilhodoros dunni Matheson 103
Ornilhodoros viguerasi Cooley and Kohls 106
Ornilhodoros azteci Matheson 109
Genus Antricola Cooley and Kohls 118
Key to Species of Antricola 118
Antricola coprophilus (Mcintosh) 118
Antricola marginatum (Banks) 123
Plates 1 to 14 127
Classified List of Hosts 141
Geographical Distribution of Species 144
Bibliography 146
Index 151
58100
The Argasidac of North America, Central
America and Cuba
Introduction
The taxonomic study of the Argasidae has been beset with difficult
problems, some of which are stil! unsolved. The principal difficulty has been
and still is the lack of adequate generic characters. Some of the earlier species
were described from very few specimens and frequently with very little knowl-
edge of their biologies. By 1908, Neumann and Nuttall had notably improved
the situation by better generic definitions and the use of new specific characters.
Both retained as genera only Argas and Ornithodoros. In 1912 Banks added
the genus Otobtus, and in 1942 Antricola was added by the authors.
In 1908 only some twenty species were known. Now in North America
alone there are at least twenty-five species and about thirty new species have
been described from other countries. The characters exhibited by these new
species have served to clarify certain of the taxonomic problems; they have
made others more confusing. Some specific distinctions have found corrobora-
tive support in the biologies. With the increasing number of new species, it
has become more and more difficult to separate Argas and Ornithodoros and
we have found it necessary to change the previous conceptions of these genera.
However, no genera have been synonymized. It is probable that subsequent
workers will find others necessary but it is earnestly hoped that none will be
erected until reliable generic criteria have been clearly established. The present
names serve the purpose and should be changed only for permanent reasons.
In a previous paper1 the senior author emphasized the importance of
variation within species. This occurs principally in the ornamentation, and
the morphology is reasonably constant. In the Argasidae it is perhaps too
early to evaluate fully the variation within species, but at least it is evident
that it is of little importance in the genus Ornithodoros. Ornamentation is
absent in the known species of the Argasidae except in Ornithodoros coriaceus.
Where confusion has arisen in specific identities, it has been due largely
to overlooking characters in the mammillae and hypostome, some of which
are not very easily detected, and the very distinct ones found in the larval
stage which heretofore has not been thoroughly studied.
Host specificity varies in the numerous species. So far as known several
1 CoOLEY, R. A. The Genera Dermacenlor and Otocenlor (Ixodidae) in the United
States, with studies in variation. National Institute of Health Bulletin No. 171, Gov-
ernment Printing Office, 1938.
1
2 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
are host specific for bats though the bat tick, Ornithodoros stageri, also attacks
man readily. Nymphs and adults of O. dunni feed readily on guinea pigs and
white rats, and the larvae of O. kelleyi feed on guinea pigs. Species which are
found in the burrows and retreats of animals other than bats will apparently
attack any available host. Still others have been recorded from restricted lists.
During recent years a surprising number of new American species have
been found on bats. The original one, Antncola marginatus (Banks), was
described from Cuba in 1910. The new ones have been described during the
past six years. In 1935, Dr. Robert Matheson, of Cornell University, described
three from Panama and the Canal Zone and Mr. Allen Mcintosh, of the
Bureau of Animal Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, de-
scribed one from bat guano from Mexico and Arizona. We have recently
described a new species from Utah and Colorado, four others from Southern
States and one from Cuba. There are likely still others that infest bats in the
United States and probably in Mexico and Central America. We already
have larval specimens of undescribed species from Southwestern States of
which the adult and nymph are unknown.
Most of the material studied has been collected by staff members of the
Rocky Mountain Laboratory. Dr. Gordon E. Davis, in connection with his
studies on Ornithodoros as vectors of relapsing fever, has made many collec-
tions in the field and has furnished valuable laboratory-reared specimens.
The authors wish to express their appreciation for the assistance given by various
persons and institutions and especially the following: Dr. Jos. C. Bequaert, Harvard
University, for valuable specimens and for bringing to our attention certain items of tax-
onomy and synonymy; Dr. Robert Matheson, Cornell University, Dr. William A.
Riley, University of Minnesota, Dr. C. A. Herrick, University of Wisconsin, and Dr.
W. B. Herms, University of California, for very useful materials and helpful coopera-
tion; Drs. B. Schwartz, E. W. Price and Mr. Allen Mcintosh, Bureau of Animal
Industry, United States Department of Agriculture, for cooperation and facilities for
study while in Washington and for permission to use illustrations from the Seventeenth
Report of the Bureau of Animal Industry, for assistance in many ways while the senior
author was a visitor at his laboratories and for permission to use his drawings of Aniri-
cola coprophilus ; Drs. E. A. Chapin and H. E. Ewing for facilities and assistance while
at the National Museum; Dr. F. C. Bishopp, for assistance in locating critical material;
Dr. Barbara C. Mclvor for lending very valuable specimens; Dr. Chas. M. Wheeler,
Dr. D. E. Howell, and Mr. Thomas F. Kelley for sending ticks en various occasions;
Mr. Kenneth E. Stager, Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science and Art, for
assistance and materials; Dr. J. M. Linsdale, University of California, for opportunity to
study the collection of the Hastings Natural History Reservation; Mr. Robert Holden-
ried, for opportunity to study the collection of the Hooper Foundation; Dr. Charles T.
Vorhies and Mr. R. A. Flock, University of Arizona, for specimens and assistance;
Mr. Robert Traub, University of Illinois, for valuable specimens; Dr. I. Perez
Vigueras, for several collections of ticks from Cuba; and Dr. E. Brumpt for especially
valuable and critical materials.
In the tables of collection data the following abbreviations have been used:
R.M.L. - Rocky Mountain Laboratory; B.A.I. Bureau of Animal Indus-
try, United States Department of Agriculture; U.S.N.M. - - United States
National Museum; A - - adult; N. -- nymph; L. — larva; spec. -- specimens.
COOLEY & KOHLS: ARGASIDAE OF N. AMERICA, ETC.
The Medical and Veterinary Importance of the Argasidae
Several species of the Argasidae are of known medical or veterinary im-
portance.
Five species of Ormthodoros in this hemisphere, hermsi, tuncata, parkeri,
talaje, and rudis, are proved vectors of relapsing fever spirochetes. O. hermsi
is present in California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado. O. tuncata is
found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colo-
rado, Utah, Florida, and in Mexico. O. parkeri is present in Washington,
Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colo-
rado. O. talaje is present in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Kansas,
Florida, and Central America. O. rudis is known in Panama, Mexico, and
South America.
Other species may prove to be of importance as disease vectors. Davis has
reported (Section VII, Sixth Pacific Science Congress, Berkeley, Calif., July
1939) the experimental transmission of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by O.
parkeri and has also demonstrated similar transmission of this disease and
American Q fever by O. hermsi.
O. coriaceus, of California and Mexico, while not known to be a vector of
any specific disease agent, readily attacks man. Its "bite" is quite painful.
Herms, who has studied this species, considers it to be one of the most venom-
ous of our ticks.
O. nicoltei, a Mexican species of which we have one record from the
United States (from snakes in a St. Louis, Missouri, zoo), was reported by
Mooser as occurring in native huts and feeding on man in Mexico.
Brumpt was unable to transmit iuricata strains of relapsing fever spirochetes
with nicollei but found that the species would transmit experimentally the
telapsing fever of Turkestan.
Very little is known concerning the several species in the Southwest recent-
ly described from bats and bat retreats. One of these, O. stageri, promptly
attacks man when opportunity permits. While its "bites" are rather severe, the
species is not known to be concerned in the transmission of any disease. An-
other, O. kelleyi, probably primarily associated with bats, has been found in
houses in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania
but is not known to attack man. Further settlement in Western States may
increase the possibilities of association of the various bat-infesting species
with man.
Argas persicus, of almost world-wide distribution in warm climates, is a
notorious pest of poultry. It is the vector of avian spirochetosis in many Old
World regions and in the New World the disease has been reported from
Brazil, Panama, and Cuba. Brown and Cross (1941) published results of
experiments indicating that the species may be a vector of fowl paralysis in
Texas.
Otobius megnini, the spinose ear tick, is a serious pest of cattle in most of
4 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. ]
the Southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. While not known to be
concerned in the transmission of any disease, the habit of the immature stages
of feeding deep in the ears of the host results in intense irritation. Heavily
infested animals, especially calves, are often in poor condition and deaths of
cattle have been attributed to gross infestations of this tick. Several instances
have been reported of the occurrence of nymphs of this species in the ears of
man. Medical attention is usually required to effect the removal of the tick.
Explanation of Terms
Fig. 1
Anterior Projection: The projection of the dorsal body wall at the anterior end.
It may extend horizontally or may be curved ventrad and be continuous with or
separate from the hood.
Anus: The external evidence of the termination of the alimentary tract, located on
the venter back of the coxae. It consists of two eversible flaps enclosed in a
continuous ring or frame.
Apical Ventral Spur: A ventral spur on the distal end of the tarsus in some species.
Figure 53, D and E.
ARTICLE: A distinct articulating portion of a leg or palpus. The sequence of the articles
is indicated by Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4, 1 being proximal.
Attenuated: To become thin, fine, or less.
Basis Capituli: The basal portion of the capitulum which is movably articulated
with the body and to which the mouth parts are attached. The "basal ring" of
some authors.
Buttons: In the genus Argas, circular elevations found on the integument, each with
a central pit and often with a hair in the pit, and distinguishable from the discs
and "wrinkles."
Barbed Hairs: Tapering hairs with barbs on their sides. The barbs may be numerous
and found on all sides or few in number and present on one side only, and may
be long or very short. Fig. 52 H.
Camerostome: The depression or cavity in which the capitulum lies, and usually
less definite in much engorged specimens.
Capitulum : The movable anterior portion of the body including the mouth parts.
The "head" or "false head" of some authors.
Cheeks: Paired flaps at the sides of the camerostome, which may be either fixed or
movable; the "movable cheeks" of some writers. Fig. 1, C.
Chelicerae: Paired mouth parts for piercing the skin, lying dorsally on the hypostome
and completing the more or less cylindrical mouth parts that are inserted when
the tick feeds.
CLUBBED Hairs: Hairs which do not taper and are terminally enlarged.
Color: The color is greatly affected by ingested blood. At first there is a reddish
tinge resulting from the fresh haemoglobin but in a few hours this changes to
dark gray. During the subsequent process of depletion the changing color of the
blood gradually loses its effect and only the natural color of the body wall
remains. Color is much affected when the specimen is placed in preserving fluid;
also those preserved soon after feeding appear different from those preserved
after having been depleted for weeks or months. Thus, since the color is not
dependable, it is usually not mentioned in describing the Argasidae.
Corona: The apical portion of the hypostome which is differentiated from the
remainder by having very small denticles which may be numerous or few in
number.
Coxae : The sequence of the coxae from anterior to posterior is indicated in Roman
numerals thus, I, II, III, and IV. Fig. 1, B.
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 5
DENTICLES: The "teeth" on the ventral side of the hypostome. Usually arranged in
parallel, longitudinal rows or files. They may be only slight elevations or they
may be definitely raised, sharp, recurved and with distinct "over-hang" which
makes them more effective in clinging to the host.
Depletion : A term applied to the progressive changes within each stage, between
feedings, in nymphs and adults of the Argasidae. When fully fed, many species
are much distended and as depletion progresses the shape, color, depth of grooves,
elevation of folds, and the appearance of the mammillae are affected making it
difficult to recognize or adequately describe some species. The shape changes
progressively from "rotund" to "flat" without greatly changing the length and
width and the grooves become more pronounced. The dorsal surface may even
become concave. In a few species (notably Antricola coprophtlus) the shape may
become much distorted. In distended specimens the mammillae may become much
flattened and show only as sclerotized spots. Some grooves may disappear com-
pletely and reappear during depletion. The folds usually persist through complete
feeding but sometimes become difficult to see. See "Color.
Discs: Limited areas or spots which are the external evidence of modification of the
structure of the body wall at the points of attachment of the dorso-ventral
muscles. They are usually in a nearly symmetrical pattern and may or may not
be evident on the venter. They vary structurally in the numerous species and
may be superficial or depressed, faint, or distinct. The authors piefer to accept
the term "disc" as appropriate in defining any structural modification of the
body wall at the points of attachment of dorso-ventral muscles. The "obvious
discs," "foveolae," "pits," "scutella," and "patellae" of some authors. Fig. 1, A.
Dorsal Humps: Humps or elevations on the dorsal walls of the articles of the legs
and not including the subapical dorsal protuberance. Fig. 1, D and E.
Dorsal Plate: The unwrinkled spot in or near the middle of the dorsum in some
larvae. Examples are fig. 35, G and fig. 51, G.
Dorsum: The entire dorsal surface in contra-distinction to the venter.
Folds: Constant ridges of the integument found on the venter in Argasidae and, like
grooves, much influenced by the degree of engorgement. Fig. 1, B.
Frame of THE Anus: The continuous circular or oval ring which encloses the
eversible flaps of the anus.
Granulations: Irregular elevations on the surface of the integument in adults of
Otobius, in contra-distinction to tubercles in Anlricola and mammillae in Orm-
thodoros, and "elevations" or wrinkles in Argas. Also used in describing the
very small elevations, similar to micromammillae, found in some species.
GROOVES: Lineal depressions or furrows, mainly on the ventral surface. Their depths
and widths are much influenced by the degree of engorgement. See Fig. 1, B.
Hairs: Hairs found on the body or appendages of the Argasidae have been spoken
of by authors as barbed, clubbed, truncated spines, or simple hairs. In the
descriptions the authors have disregarded for the most part the character of
the hairs or spines because more useful characters are available.
HoOD : The anterior projection of the integument forming in part the walls of the
camerostome, if present. Fig. 1 , A, B and C.
HvPOSTOME : The median ventral mouth part which is immovably attached to the
basis capituli and usually bearing "teeth" or denticles. The dentition is indicated
by numerals either side of a line. Thus 3|3 means that there are three longi-
tudinal files on each half of the hypostome. Measurements are made from the
posthypostomal hairs to the anterior extremity. Fig. 1 , F.
Legs: The sequence of the legs from anterior to posterior is indicated in Roman
numerals, thus, I, II, III, and IV. Fig. 1, D and E.
Mammillae: Elevations of various forms found on the integument in OrnithoJoros
in contra-distinction to the granulations in Otobius, tubercles in Antricola, and
"elevations" or wrinkles in Argas. Previous authors have used the term to
designate the conical or hemispherical elevations found especially in such species
6 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
as savignVi and iuricaia but with the increased numbers of species now known
it is more appropriate to include under the term all similar structures on the
integument in Orniihodoros. Fig. 1, A.
MEASUREMENTS: All measurements are recorded in millimeters. The articles of the
legs are measured dorsally. The articulations "telescope" on the ventral side but
are fixed or hinged dorsally. The length of the hypostome is measured from the
,posthypostomal hairs to the tip of the hypostome.
Micromammillae : Very small, rounded elevations of nearly uniform size on the sur-
face of the legs, and sometimes on the capitulum as in Orniihodoros lalaje and
O. rudis.
MAMMILLAE
_ DORSO - VENTRAL
GROOVE
SUBAPICAL DORSAL
PROTUBERANCE
TARSUS IV
-DORSAL HUMPS
-METATARSUS IV
SUBAPICAL DORSAL jg
PROTUBERANCE *'
TARSUS I
- DORSAL HUMPS
ME TA
TA R S U S I
CAWEROSTOME
MOUTH PARTS
POSTHYPOSTOMAL
HAIRS
BA5IS CAPITULI
TROCHANTER I
^C&K-
•s aa-wc i&c-v-y: * ^^.".r
r
-FEMUR IV
TROCHANTER IV
ft
Va
_HYPOSTOME
BASIS CAPITULI
' CAMEROSTOME
.PALPUS PALPUS
HYPOSTOME
HOOD p
3ASIS CAPITULI
Fig. 1. Principal characters of Argasidae. A, Dorsal. B, Lateral and ventral. C,
ventral, anterior. D, Leg IV. E, Leg I. F, Capitulum, ventral. G, lateral, anterior.
Cooley 8c Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
OrNATE: Ornate ticks are common in Dermacenior and Ambhwmma which have a
symmetrical pattern of color usually spoken of as "white" or "gray,- "rose-
tinted," etc., superimposed over the base color of the chitin. In the Argasidae
ornamentation is lacking except in O. coriaceus in which the mammillae are
crowned with "white," "cream," or faint iridescent colors.
PANDURIFORM : Obovate, with a concavity on each side, like a violin.
PosTPALPAL Hairs: A pair of hairs placed posterior to the palpi, more or less in
line with the posthypostomal hairs.
Posthypostomal Hairs : A pair of hairs on the ventral surface at the base of the
hypostome.
Sex Opening: The external evidence of the sexual organs of either sex found on the
ventral median line posterior to the capitulum.
Similar: The sexes are similar if separable only by size and the differences in the
morphology of the sex openings, and dissimilar if there are other morphological
differences of the body or appendages, as in Antricola coprophilus. Adults and
nymphs are similar if separable only by the presence of the mature sex openings
in adults which are absent in nymphs, and dissimilar if, as in Oiobius, the
adults and nymphs have differences in body structures.
Simple Hairs: Smooth, tapering hairs which terminate in a point.
Spiracle: Paired organs, one on each side; the external openings of the respiratory
system which communicate with the tracheae.
Subapical Dorsal Protuberance: The protuberance sometimes present distad of
Haller's organ and when much drawn out produces the bifurcate termination
of the tarsus, mentioned by some authors. It should be distinguished from dorsal
humps. The protuberance appears to be different in origin or purpose from the
dorsal humps. Thus, the species of Argas and those species of Ornithodoros
which have cheeks, and micromammillae on the legs seldom have dorsal humps,
but may have the subapical dorsal protuberance. Fig. 1, D and E..
SuTURAL LlNE: A definite line of cleavage around the periphery in Argas separating
the dorsal and ventral surfaces. Fig. 2, D and Fig. 4, G.
TUBERCLES: The elevations on the integument in Anlricola comparable to the mam-
millae of Ornithodoros.
Truncated Hairs: Hairs which do not taper and are terminally truncated.
VENTER: The entire ventral surface in contra-distinction to the dorsum.
Methods
The characters in the Argasidae are definite and little difficulty should be
encountered in recognizing most species. The methods of study here outlined
are applicable also to various genera of the Ixodidae.
Dissecting microscope. — A primary need is a satisfactory dissecting micro-
scope with low, intermediate, and high power objectives. Very satisfactory
types are: first, one with a stage that can be placed directly on the surface of
the desk; second, one with a heavy base placed well away from the worker and
with a horizontal arm supporting the body of the microscope, thus leaving a
clear working space around and under the instrument.
Lighting. — Adequate lighting is about as necessary as a suitable micro-
scope. Desk and microscope lamps of numerous forms are available but a type
producing a bright beam and on a stand which can be placed well away from
the microscope is particularly useful. It should be possible to adjust the inten-
sity of the light and to avoid heating the specimen. Both aims can be accom-
plished by placing a piece of rice paper or ground glass in the beam of light.
8 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
Preserving fluid. — It is a distinct advantage to use as a preserving fluid
one that will dry quickly, thus making the surface characters visible with as
little delay as possible. Fluids containing glycerine have the disadvantage or'
leaving a "moist" or "tacky" surface which obscures the details of the surface
parts. However, glycerine can be removed by washing with 70 percent alcohol.
This takes time and subjects the specimen to some danger of injury. Carbon
tetrachloride preserves the true colors in ornate ticks to a remarkable decree
but makes the specimens very hard and brittle. At the Rocky Mountain Labor-
atory 70 percent alcohol is used. This evaporates rapidly and we have not
detected that specimens so preserved are more brittle than those placed in
fluids containing glycerine.
When ticks are kept out of the alcohol for some time and also subjected
to the heat of a light, it is very desirable to put a drop of alcohol on the
specimen occasionally.
Cleaning. — Cleaning should be avoided if possible, but is sometimes neces-
sary, since argasid ticks are often encrusted with coxal fluid which serves as
a mild glue. For cleaning it is useful to have at hand a series of small, artist's
red sable brushes, the tips of which have been cut off at different lengths, thus
affording various degrees of severity for "scrubbing." The cleaning is done
under low magnification with the tick immersed in 70 percent alcohol. Care
must be taken not to break parts or remove hairs.
In examining the hypostome in situ it is frequently desirable to remove
matter from the mouth parts with a soft brush from which the tip has not
been removed.
When especially clean specimens are needed, as for photographing, it is
preferable to use ticks that have recently molted in a clean container.
Posing. — The specimens are removed from 70 percent alcohol, pressed
lightly on soft, absorbent paper (such as is used as a substitute for handker-
chiefs) and are then transferred on a microscopical slide to the field of the
microscope for examination dorsally and ventrally. When special positions are
wanted other aids are used. When working with Dr. Nuttall in England, the
senior author saw him using small lumps of modeling clay or "plasticine"
which could be stuck to a glass slide and shaped to fit the need — a point, a
ridge, a sloping surface, or a groove. Without some such refinement of tech-
nique there is danger of failing to make some characters visible. It is common
practice in museums and laboratories to hold the tick under the microscope
between the points of forceps. This has resulted in injuring valuable specimens.
Because of this practice some types which we have seen have lost part or all
of the appendages. Parts broken off by manipulation should be put in "micro
vials," labelled, and dropped into the larger museum vial along with the dis-
membered specimen.
Dissection. — We have found that it is not always sufficient to study the
hypostome and some other parts in situ. Even with good vision and a satis-
factory microscope it is frequently impossible to see the essential characters
clearly. Dissection and mounting of parts then become necessary.
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
Dissections are made in a small, Syracuse watch glass (U.S. Bureau of
Plant Industry Model; diameter of 27 millimeters) under a microscope, with
the specimen immersed in alcohol. The watch glasses are improved if the
hottom is coated with collodion to prevent the dulling of sharp instruments.
The hypostome is readily removed from adults and nymphs. The specimen
is carefully held in position with slender forceps. A transverse incision is made
a short distance posterior to the posthypostomal hairs with a very small, sharp,
iris scalpel; also two longitudinal ones, one on either side of the hypostome,
each starting at the point where the palpus meets the base of the hypostome.
This usually permits the removal of a part of the basis capituli with the
hypostome attached, 'but if not yet free, insert the iris knife horizontally
between the hypostome and the stalks of the chelicerae and cut through any
pieces of chitin still attached to the base of the hypostome. It is important
that this final incision be made with the point of the knife held horizontally
to insure that the hypostome will be flat when mounted in balsam and not
raised on one side.
It is necessary to sharpen the scalpel frequently on a marble stone. This
is done under the microscope. For some dissections a blunt, rather than a
pointed, scalpel may be advantageously used.
Care is needed to avoid losing dissected parts, hence the need for the very
small dishes. The parts to be mounted are readily transferred to the next
liquid by the use of a small brush of which most of the tapered portion has
been removed.
In the study of the larvae it is sometimes necessary only to clear and
mount them if the specimens are unfed, but if critical studies are required
the more difficult manipulation of separating the hypostome from the chelic-
erae becomes necessary. This dissection can usually be accomplished best by
removing first only the chelicerae, leaving the hypostome and palpi in posi-
tion. This is often difficult and is usually best done with a fine needle point
and a sharp-pointed, iris scalpel. Finally, the entire capitulum is severed,
cleared in xylol and mounted in balsam with the venter up.
Four percent potassium hydroxide is sometimes used as a clearing agent.
However, critical parts, particularly hypostomes, are sometimes obscured by
gas appearing within the specimen immediately after being placed in balsam.
This may happen even if preparation has included thorough washing to
remove the potassium hydroxide. It may be prevented by passing the specimen
through a series of xylcl-balsam mixtures of increasing density. The first should
be very fluid. This requires about twenty-four hours.
Rearing. — It is sometimes difficult or impossible to identify immature
specimens, especially earily stage nymphs. If alive, such ticks can be reared
through one or more stages as desired, feeding being permitted as necessary.
To facilitate holding living ticks in the laboratory for observation or
ecdysis various facilities have been used such as paper or wooden boxes held
over wet sand, test tubes with cotton plugs placed in covered jars, etc. The
10 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
essential conditions for keeping the ticks alive for prolonged periods are (a)
containers that permit the maintenance of a higher humidity than is usual in
room atmosphere, (b) sufficient air, and (c) avoidance of over-heating. The
container should be such as to facilitate frequent examinations of the speci-
mens. We have used two methods successfully.
For one method we employ desiccator jars that provide a space for contain-
ing a fluid below and for holding vials of ticks above. A "floor" for the upper
space can be made of cardboard saturated with melted paraffin. Pill boxes
containing ticks direct from the field may be placed temporarily in the upper
chamber. A relative humidity of 92 percent is maintained 'by a saturated
solution of ammonium chloride (NH4 CI) in the lower chamber.- Paper
pill boxes become moist and soft if held in the desiccator jars very long.
On the other hand, ticks in glass vials with cotton plugs may be held indefinite-
ly. The jars are kept at room temperature and out of the sunlight. Mold some-
times develops but causes very little difficulty if the ticks are held in glass vials
and can be further prevented or reduced by using only sterile vials.
Various modifications of the "Hixson jar" are also useful. We have found
the modification described below to be of value in holding a few living ticks in
the laboratory and also in collecting critical material in the field. Hixson (1932)
described and figured a small % inch cork-stoppered shell vial "jar" with wet
sand in the bottom. The tick or ticks are placed in a l/^ inch tube plugged with
cellu-cotton at both ends. The latter is held in a fixed position in the jar by
inserting one end in a central hole through the stopper.
For our purposes we have modified the "jar" by using a wide-mouthed
bottle, 2 inches in diameter by 4 inches tall, with plaster of paris in place of
the sand. The plaster of paris is allowed to set in the bottom of the bottle. The
jar is then placed in a warming oven with the mouth open until the plaster is
thoroughly dry. Six to ten drops of water are added to the plaster to maintain
a moderate degree of humidity. The inside tube should have a diameter of
about 1/g of an inch, should be clean and sterile and should not reach the
plaster of paris.
Critical living specimens may be placed singly in the inner glass tubes and
when ecdysis occurs the molted skin is available. The latter is often of special
value 'because the hypostome or other parts are available for comparison with
the same parts in the subsequent stage. The cast skin of the hypostome may
be placed in absolute alcohol, then transferred to xylol and when mounted in
balsam is nearly as useful as the actual tick of the stage concerned. These small
jars have several advantages when it is desirable to keep living ticks and make
daily observations and records of their development. They are also used in the
field when especially interesting lots of ticks are collected and when shipped
they are put in double mailing tubes.
2 See International Critical Tables, vol. I. p. 67. for information on maintaining
constant humidities.
Cooley dc Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 11
Family, Argasidae Canestrini, 1890
Non-scutate Ixodoidea with sexual dimorphism slight. Integument of adults
and nymphs leathery, wrinkled, granulated, mammillated or with tubercles.
Capitulum in adults and nymphs either subterminal or distant from the anterior
margin; in larvae subterminal or terminal. Capitulum, especially in depleted
adults and nymphs, in a more or less marked depression (camerostome) . Artic-
ulations of the palpi of all stages free (never fused) . Porose areas absent in both
sexes. Eyes when present placed on the supracoxal folds. Spiracles in adults and
nymphs usually placed anterior to coxae IV. Pulvilli usually rudimentary or
absent in adults and nymphs; sometimes well developed (functional) in larvae.
Nymphal stages plural and the number variable.
Type genus, Argas Latreille, 1796.
The number of genera that should be recognized in the Argasidae has long
been a matter of doubt. Nuttall et al. (1908) and Neumann (1911) recog-
nized Argas and Ormthodoros, although Nuttall stated that "we are by no
means sure that the family Argasidae contains more than one genus, Argas."
Banks (1912) erected the genus Otobius for a species formerly included in
Ormthodoros. This we recognize as valid.
Pocock (1907) advocated the revival of Carios Latreille, 1796 for Argas
vespertdioms, an Old World species associated with bats, because this species
possesses a "conspicuous transverse, lightly curved groove just behind the anus."
As pointed out by Nuttall, this structure is not peculiar to vespertilionis. It is
present in other species also, though modified, and is the character usually
referred to as the transverse postanal groove. However, the species is aberrant.
The capitulum is situated far forward and would be visible from above were it
not for the prominent hood. The sutural line on the margins of the body, a
character used by Neumann (1911) to characterize the genus Argas, is absent.
Yet by the other characters it appears to be clearly an Argas, and until further
information is available, we consider it best to refer the species to this genus.
Also in 1907 Pocock erected the genus Alectorobius for Ormthodoros talaje
on account of the presence of lateral wings (cheeks) on the camerostome. If
Alectorobius were to be reestablished, it would be desirable to find correlating
characters. While talaje and some other known species have cheeks, dorsal
humps on the tarsi, and micromammillae on the legs, certain species lack the
dorsal humps or the micromammillae, or both.
The New World species of Argas and Ornithodoros can best be distin-
guished by the presence of the sutural line in the former, its absence in the
latter. Bedford (1932) made Ormthodoros Koch a synonym of Argas, stating
that he could not consider "having the margin of the body differing in structure
from the rest of the integument" as being of generic importance. He was influ-
enced in his decision by Ornithodoros perengueyi Bedford and Hewitt, 1925.
In this species, as well as in O. dunm Matheson, 1935 and O. stageri Cooley
and Kohls, 1941, the flattened margins persist even in well fed specimens but
the sutural line is absent. While these species serve to show that the genera
12 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
grade into each other, the great majority of the species can be assigned generi-
cally with little or no difficulty.
We accept as of good standing the following genera:
1. Argas Latreille, 1795 3. Otobius Banks. 1912
2. Ornithodoros Koch, 1844 4. Anlricola Cooley and Kohls, 1942
Key to the Genera
1 . With a definite sutural line separating dorsal and ventral surfaces (see fig. 4, G)
Argas
Lacking a definite sutural line separating dorsal and ventral surfaces 2
2. Nymphs with integument beset with spines, hypostome well developed; adults with
integument granular, hypostome vestigial (see fig. 6, C) Oiobius
Integument of adults and nymphs essentially alike, mammillated or tuberculated,
and lacking spines; hypostome of various forms in nymphs and adults but not
vestigial 3
3. Hypostome broad at the base and scoop-like (see fig. 53, B) (Associated with
bats.) Antricola
Hypostome of various forms but never scoop-like (Associated with various classes
of animals and including bats.) Ornithodoros
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 13
Genus Argas Latreille, 1796
1796. Argas Latreille, original description, p. 18. The generic synonymy to 1850 is
reviewed in detail in Oudemans "Kritisch Histonsch Overzicht del Acarologie,"
part 2, pp. 135-137 (1929) and part 3, B, pp. 746-755 (1936). See also Nuttall
el al. (1908) pp. 4-5.
1932. Argas Latreille: Bedford, p. 275. OrnillwJoros made a synonym of Argas.
1934. Argas Latreille: Bedford, p. 60.
1936. Argas Latreille: Brumpt, p. 1186.
Sexes similar; nymphs and adults similar.
Body flattened, dorsal and ventral surfaces about equal in area; margin
distinctly flattened, made up of radial striae or quadrangular plates. Sutural
line present. Flattened margins not obliterated even when tick is fully fed.
Capitulum either distant from or near the anterior border. Integument
leathery, minutely wrinkled in folds of many shapes often intermingled with
small, rounded "buttons" each with a pit on top and often bearing a hair in
the pit. Discs present on both dorsal and ventral surfaces and placed in more
or less radial lines. Eyes absent.
Genotype, A cams reflexus Fabricius, 1794, as designated by Latreille
(1802). Nuttall et al. while admitting that reflexus had been the accepted type
preferred to take persicus as the type because of its world-wide distribution
and its having been better studied. We regard these reasons as being insuffi-
cient for changing the genotype.
Two species occur in North America, reflexus (Fabricius) 1794 (see dis-
cussion page 16) and persicus (Oken), 1818. A third species, A. brevipes
Banks 1908, described from Arizona, must remain in doubt since no specimens
so labelled 'by Banks are available and the description is inadequate.
Key to Species of Argas
(Adults and Nymphs)
Flattened margins striate; postpalpal hairs absent; hypostome apically rounded
reflexus (p. 14)
Flattened margins having quadrangular plates; post-palpal hairs present; hypostome
apically notched persicus (p. 17)
14 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
Argas REFLEXUS (Fabricius), 1794
Plate 1, Figs. 2 and 3
1793. Acarus columbarum Shaw, in Shaw and Nodder, original description, 4, pi. 128.
(nomen nudum).
1794 Acarus reflexus Fabricius, p. 426.
1802. Argas reflexus (Fabricius) : Latreille, p. 66.
1804. Rhpnchoprion columbae Hermann, p. 69.
1805. Ixodes reflexus and Ixodes colmbae Fabricius, p. 353 and 356.
1815. Argas marginaius Oken, p. 402.
1816. Rhvmchoprion marginatum Olfers, p. 75.
1827. Ixodes hispanus and Ixodes espagnol. Brebisson, p. 267.
1828. Acarus marginatus. Guerin-Meneville, p. 300.
1829. Argas reflexus. Latreille, p. 289.
1896. Argas magnus Neumann, p. 14. Degraded to Argas reflexus var. magmis,
Neumann. '1905. p. 239.
1929. Argas columbarum (Shaw): Oudemans, part 2, p. 138.
1936. Argas reflexus (Fabricius): Brumpt pp. 1187-1188.
ADULT
Body. — Oval, often distinctly narrower in front. Margin irregularly striate
with the striae varying in width in different specimens. Margin slightly turned
up (whence reflexus). Often larger than persicus and may reach 9.0 x 5.0
(Nuttall et al. 1908). Specimens may be as small as 6.25 x 3.75.
Integument. — Integument on dorsum and venter raised into irregular,
sinuous wrinkles which may be short or long. Nuttall et al. (1908) state that
the integument is much more finely wrinkled than in persicus. Specimens from
the Americas show the wrinkles to be coarser.
Discs. — Variable; may 'be either large and numerous or small and few;
when numerous arranged radially.
Buttons. — Absent or few in number, often each with a short, fine hair
arising from the pit.
Legs. — Moderate in length and size. Surface irregular — nearly granular.
Subapical dorsal protuberances well developed, about equal on all the legs.
Length of tarsus I (in larger specimens), 0.78; metatarsus, 0.78. Length of
tarsus IV, 0.96; metatarsus, 0.93.
Coxae. — Coxae I and II separated; all others contiguous. (Nuttall et al
(1908) state that coxae I and II are contiguous.)
Folds. — Coxal and supracoxal folds present; all other folds absent.
Capitulum. — Removed from the anterior margin by about its own length
(including the palpi). Basis capituli nearly twice as wide as long; lateral
margin with a group of short, fine, erect hairs at about the middle. Entire
length of palpal article 1 in contact with and overlapping the base of the
hypostome as a knife-edge flange. Postpalpal hairs absent.
Hypostome. — Mildly tapering; apex rounded. The larger denticles
arranged -/•_> with about 3 or 4 in each file. Numerous very fine denticles in
the middle arranged in diagonal rows (more numerous than in persicus)
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
15
Corona with only a very few fine denticles. Long posthypostomal hairs are
present. Length 0.30 to 0.39.
Camerostome. — Short and indefinite.
Sexual opening. — Placed at the level of the intervals between coxae I
and II.
Anus. — In an elliptical pattern placed nearly central on the venter.
This species is readily separated from persicus by its striated margins, its
well developed subapical dorsal protuberances on all legs, the absence of the
apical notch on the hypostome, and absence of postpalpal hairs.
DISTRIBUTION AND HOSTS
In the Old World Nuttall et al. (1908) record this species from England,
France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rumania, and Algeria. Because of its associa-
tion with pigeons, Colamba domestka, it is commonly known as the pigeon
B
Fig. 2. Argas reflexus (Fabricius). A, Margin of adult or nymph. B, Leg I of
female. C, Leg IV of female. D, Lateral view of edge showing sutural line. E, Hypos-
tome of female. F, Hypostome of male.
16
American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
tick. Other hosts mentioned are Gallus domesticus, man, and a single record
of larvae from Equus caballus reported by Starcovici in Rumania.
As for the New World, Dr. J. Bequaert has sent us specimens from Bogota,
Colombia, South Amenca, collected in chicken coops. Neumann (1911)
recorded A. reflexus magnus from California without mention of host. Osborn
(1896) stated that, "It is common, I believe as far north as St. Louis." How-
ever, no records substantiating this statement have appeared. The only United
States records we have are the following:
California. 17018, near nest of California condor, Gymnogyps caliform-
anus, September 18, 1939, and 1787, May 24, 1940, 'both lots from Santa
Paula Canyon, Ventura County, 41 nymphs and adults (Thomas F. Kelley);
17395, "nest in cave," April 8, 1939, Mt. Diablo, Contra Costa County, 1
male (D. E. Howell); 17556, nesting hole of Inyo screech owl, Otus asio
inyoensis, November 1940, Inyo County, 1 nymph, also 5 nymphs of Argas
persicus (Kenneth E. Stager).
Montana. 15195, October 1938, Haxby, 1 female. This specimen had been
sent to Dr. H. B. Mills, State Entomologist, with the information that it and
two others were "found in the bedroom on my bed." During the summer, 10
or 15 swallow nests were built under the eaves of this bedroom. It appears
likely that the swallows were the source of the infestation.
Assignment of the United States specimens to reflexus is made with some
hesitation. We believe it advisable to refer the specimens listed to this species
until more information is available. While they are smaller than Old World
and South American specimens and lack the pronounced reflexed margins of
the latter, they agree very closely in other morphological characteristics. How-
ever, it is surprising that there are no definite records of the species from
pigeons and other domestic birds in this country.
Fig. 3. Distribution of Argas reflexus (Fabricius).
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
17
Argas persicus (Oken), 1818
Plate I, Figs. 4 and 5
1818. Rhunchoprion persicum Oken, original description, p. 1568.
1823. Argas persicus Fischer de Waldheim, p. 282.
1844. Argas mauritianus Guerin-Meneville, p. 17.
1844. Argas chinche Goudot: Gervais, in Walckenaer, p. 462.
1844. Argas miniatus Koch, p. 219.
1872. Argas americana Packard, p. 740.
1891. Argas sanchezi Alfred Duges, p. 20.
1893. Argas radiahis Railliet, p. 718; for americana Packard, preoccupied.
1901. Argas miniatus Koch: Neumann, p. 255, " americana Packard, sanche:i Duges
and radiahis Railliet, synonyms. P. 344, - = chinche Goudot, synonym.
1901. Argas persicus Fischer: Neumann, p. 253, 256, — Argas mauritianus Guerin-
Meneville, synonym.
1905. Argas persicus var. miniatus: Neumann, pp. 240-241.
1908. Argas persicus (Oken) : Nuttall, el al., p. 9 = Argas persicus var. miniatus,
synonym.
1932. Argas persicus (Oken): Bedford, p. 281.
1934. Argas persicus (Oken): Bedford, pp. 65-69.
1936. Argas persicus (Oken): Brumpt, pp. 1189-1192.
ADULT
Body. — Usually oval, wider behind; sometimes almost elliptical. Margins
composed of irregular quadrangular plates or cells which often have one or
more circular pits. In some specimens a very small, short, fine hair is visible
arising frcm some of the pits. Like reflexus this species varies greatly in
size. Nuttall et al. give size ranging from 4.0 x 2.5 to 12.7 long. Specimens
in the collections of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory show sizes within the
range published.
Integument. — Surface of dorsum and venter with numerous rounded or
sinuous, shining wrinkles. In some specimens the sinuous elevations are unusu-
ally long.
Discs. — Numerous, large, variable in size, oval or circular, and radially
arranged. Other discs not radially arranged are found in the submarginal areas.
Buttons. — Usually numerous but faint and sparse in some specimens.
Legs. — Moderate in length and size. Some specimens from Southern
United States have the legs short and small. Surface irregular with hairs short
and fine. Subapical dorsal protuberances mild or absent on tarsi I to III;
absent on tarsus IV. Length of tarsus I, 0.57 to 0.75; metatarsus, 0.51 to 0.81.
Length of tarsus IV, 0.72 to 0.81; metatarsus, 0.66 to 0.78.
Coxae. — Coxae I and II well separated; all others contiguous; surfaces
longitudinally wrinkled.
Folds. — Coxal and supracoxal folds present.
Capitulum. — Removed from the anterior margin of the body by about the
18 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
length of the capitulum including the palpi. Basis capituli with its width
greater than its length; surface transversely wrinkled. Postpalpal hairs present,
about in line with the posthypostomal hairs. Entire length of article 1 of the
palpus in contact with the hypostome and with a knife-edge flange overlap-
ping it.
Hypostome. — Sides a little tapering; apex notched. Larger denticles few in
number and arranged -/._>; smaller ones, in middle portion, arranged 3'3-
Corona with very small denticles. Length of female hypostome 0.315 to 0.36;
male about 0.30.
Camerostome. — Short, indefinite, and affording little protection for the
mouth parts.
Sexual opening. — At the level of the intervals betweeen coxae I and II.
Anus. — In an elliptical pattern; placed nearly central.
This species is readily separated from reflexus by having the hypo-
stome terminally notched, the margins with quadrangular cells in place of
striae, and postpalpal hairs present.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
Argas persicus occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Australia.
In general it is restricted to the warm, dry regions.
Bishopp (1927) stated that
The present distribution of the tick in the United States may be said to extend
throughout the western three-fourths of Texas, from approximately the longitude or
Dallas, westward; the southern half of New Mexico and Arizona; southwestern
Oklahoma; three-fourths of southwestern California; and the major part of Florida.
During the last few years it appears that the pest has extended ils range northward
in the Sacramento Valley of California a considerable distance, as R. W. Wells has
found it to be firmly established in Shasta County. * * * The tick has undoubtedly
been shipped with fowls into many parts of the United States and specimens have been
taken in States as far removed from the normally infested areas as Iowa. It has not
established itself generally, however, in the more humid and cooler parts of the
country. It has been thought that the tick would not become a pest in such regions
and in the higher mountain areas, but its continued spread indicates that it has consider-
able adaptability, and that it will ultimately infest a much larger part of the country
than it does at present.
The map showing the distribution of Argas persicus is after Bishopp
(1927) with the following records added:
California. 17556, nesting hole of Inyo screech owl, Olus asio inyioensis, Inyo
County, December 1940, 5 nymphs, also 1 nymph of Argas columbarum (Kenneth E.
Stager).
Georgia. 42331 B. A. I., Callus clomestitus, chicken house, Feb. 18, 1936, Atlanta,
16 specimens (W. R. Baynes).
Louisiana. 30307 B. A. I., host not stated, Oct. 27, 1940, Jeanerette, few speci-
mens (C. W. Rees).
Nevada. Many specimens without host or date, Reno (S. B. Doten). Record from
U. S. National Museum.
Cooley &. Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
19
Utah. Many specimens, said to be killing chickens near St. George, 1936 (E. W.
Davis). Record from U. S. National Museum.
Canada. 17496, golden-crowned sparrow, Zorwtrichia coronata (Pallas), May 2,
1931, Vancouver, B.C.. 4 nymphs (Hearle. 1938).
In Mexico, Hoffman (1930) stated:
It is found in all of the hot and dry States of the North and extending throughout
the regions consisting of the Central Plateau toward the south and west to the Pacific
Coast. In the more humid zone along the Gulf Coast and in the humid districts of the
south it occurs only exceptionally and then as a result of fowls being brought in from
infested places. Apparently it is unable to survive in these regions. It easily adapts
itself to the chicken houses which are protected against the cold of our Central Plateau,
for example, I have seen infested chicken houses at Tlalpam, D. F., which is some
2300 meters above sea level. (Translation.)
According to Dunn (1923) the species is "very abundant throughout
Panama, the majority of chicken houses and other places where fowls com-
monly roost in the cities of Panama and Colon, villages in the Canal Zone
and native villages in the interior being usually infested with them."
151
M8S®
E
G
Fig. 4. Argas persicus (Oken). A. Margin of adult or nymph. B, Leg I of female.
C. Leg IV of female. D, Hypostome of female. F, Hypostome of male. F, Capitulum
of larva, ventral view. G, Lateral view of edge showing sutural line.
20 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
In the West Indies the species has been found at Trinidad and at Antigua.
Vigueras (1934) stated that Argas persicus has been known in Cuba for
many years, and listed the following localities: Provinces of Havana, Matan-
zas and Santa Clara.
Koch's type of A. miniatus came from Demerara, British Guiana.
HOSTS
Argas persicus is preeminently a fowl tick. It attacks practically all species
of domestic fowls, but the chicken appears to be the preferred host. It has
been found in limited numbers on a wide variety of wild brids including quail,
wild doves, wild turkeys, vultures, golden-crowned sparrow (Z.onotricbia
coronata), and Inyo screech owl (Otus asio inyoensis) . It is said to attack
man commonly in Persia, producing serious symptoms. Hoffman (1930)
stated that in Mexico it attacks man only exceptionally, with more or less dis-
agreeable local effects, and as a rule only in houses where it cannot reach its
natural hosts.
Economic losses occasioned by this tick are considerable. Fowls are weak-
ened through loss of blood and annoyance and when attacked by large
numbers the effects are sufficient to result in death.
Fig. 5. Distribution of Argas persicus in the United States and Canada. Adapted
from Bishopp (1927), with additions.
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 21
Genus OTOBIUS Banks, 1912
/912 Otobius Banks, p. 99, original description.
Adults and nymphs dissimilar and with sexes similar. Adults with the
integument granulated; nymphs striated and with spines. Without change of
pattern of the integument at the sides. Capitulum distant from the anterior
margin in adults; near the margin in nymph. Hood and eyes absent. Hypo-
stome of nymphs well developed; vestigial in adults.
Genotype: Argas megnini Duges, 1884, original monotype.
Key to Species of Otobius
Adults
The numerous pits on the dorsum separated by a distance of twice or more the
diameter of one pit megnini (p. 21)
The numerous pits on the dorsum separated by a distance of the diameter or less,
of one pit lagophilus (p. 32)
Nymphs
Integument with numerous heavy spines anteriorly and lighter spines posteriorly;
hypostome with denticles 4|4; spiracles conical megnini (p. 23)
Integument with numerous spines all of one size; hypostome with denticles 3|3;
spiracles convex lagophilus (p. 34)
Otobius megnini (Duges), 1884
Plate 2, Fig. 6, 7, 8. 9 and 10
1884. Argas megnini Duges, original description, pp. 197-198, with figures.
1885. Argas megnini Alf. Duges: Megnin, redescribed, pp. 466, 472-475, with figures.
1893. "Argas americana Packard": Townsend, p. 50.
1895 Rhhnchoprium spinosum G. Marx, figures only, p. 199, Marx obituary notice.
1896. Orniihodoros megnini (Alf. Duges) : Neumann, redescribed pp. 42-44.
1901. Omithodoros megnini (Duges): Salmon and Stiles, redescribed, pp. 408-414,
with figures.
1908. Orniihodoros megnini Duges: Banks, redescribed, p. 17, with figures.
1908. Omithodoros megnini (Duges) 1883: Nuttall, Warburton, Cooper and Robinson,
redescribed, pp. 71-77, with figures.
1911. Omithodoros megnini (Alf. Dug.): Neumann, p. 125.
1912. Otobius megnini Duges: Banks, new genus proposed, p. 99.
1930. Omithodoros (Otobius) megnini Duges, 1882: Hoffman, redescribed, pp. 151 —
155, with figures.
1932. Argas megnini Duges: Bedford, p. 280.
1934. Argas megnini Duges: Bedford, pp. 77-81.
1936. Omithodorus megnini (A. Duges): Brumpt, p. 1209.
ADULT
Body. — Panduriform, rounded behind and slightly attenuated anteriorly;
broadest at legs II and III, constricted just behind leg IV. Both Salmon and
Stiles (1901) and Nuttall et at. (1908) give as the size of the female, 6.0 x
4.0 to 5.0 x 3.0. In the collections of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory we have
females as large as 8.25 x 6.00. Males are a little smaller. Specimens of adults
preserved in alcohol are enclosed by a thin, translucent covering which is easily
22
American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
removed in part by the use of a needle point. The true character of the integu-
ment is better seen after the removal of the covering.
Mammillae. — True mammillae as denned in Ormthodoros by authors
appear to be absent. Dorsal and ventral surfaces have the integument granu-
lated, and with numerous circular depressions, each depression with a central
tubercle.
Discs. — The discs are easily overlooked but are present as small, slightly
iu Vu \^
Fig. 6. Otobius megnini (Duges). A, Hypostome of first-stage nymph. B. Hypostome
of second-stage nymph. C, Hypostome of adult. D, Capitulum of nymph, ventral view.
E, Leg I of adult. F, Leg IV of adult. G, Leg I of nymph. H, Leg IV of nymph.
I, Capitulum of adult, ventral view.
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 23
depressed areas in a symmetrical pattern; the individual discs have their
surfaces only a little changed over the general granulated surface, and are less
distinct on the ventral side.
Hairs. — A few very fine hairs, easily overlooked, arise from some of the
tubercles and are more apparent at the anterior end.
Legs. — Short and heavy. Tarsi II, III, and IV with the subapical dorsal
protuberance moderate, negligible on I. Length of tarsus I about 0.48; meta-
tarsus about 0.48. Length of tarsus IV about 0.72; metatarsus, about 0.69.
Hairs on the legs few, short, inconspicuous.
Coxae. — Each coxa with an elongated smooth sclerite which, together with
deep invaginations on the posterior side mark the position of the coxa. Coxa
IV also has such an invagination on the anterior side.
Hood and Camerostome. — Hood very short and broad — a curved eleva-
tion anterior to the mouth parts. Camerostome lined with numerous fine, long
hairs.
Capitulum. — Basis very broad and short, curved, approaching a reniform
shape with the convexity behind.
Palpi. — Short and heavy; article 1 swollen ventrally and laterally; hairs on
the palpi fine and long.
Hypostome. — Vestigial in marked contrast with the well developed hypo-
stome of the nymph. Short, broad, with the sides converging anteriorly, con-
cave dorsally and convex ventrally; without denticles and with the apical
margin curved and thin. Length in the female 0.135.
Folds. — Coxal and supracoxal folds are present but in well engorged
specimens the coxal fold is not much in evidence.
Grooves. — A short postanal groove present near the posterior end of the
body. Median postanal groove present only anterior to the postanal groove,
faint. Other grooves are negligible or absent.
Sexual opening. — At the level of the posterior ends of coxae I.
Spiracle. — Circular, mildly convex.
Eyes. — Absent.
Anus. — Circular, very small.
SECOND NYMPH
This tick is ordinarily seen only in the second nymphal stage, which is the
stage commonly found in the ears of domestic animals, and is the stage in
which the species is most easily distinguished from other ticks.
Body. — When fully fed a little larger than that of the adult. Shape of fed
specimens much as in the adult but with the lateral constrictions a little less
24
American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
pronounced. Unfed specimens much narrowed posteriorly, constriction begin-
ning at about the fourth pair of legs; broadest at about the third pair of legs;
rounded anteriorly.
Discs. — The integumental markings of the nymph are very different from
Fig. 7. Otobius megnini (Duges) nymph, only a little fed; dorsal and ventral views,
showing spines. After Marx (1895).
M r
V
,4
M i i vv3
B
Fig. 8. Otobius megnini (Duges). A, Nymph, unfed, ventral view. B, Nymph.
"Portion of skin, showing spines and hairs. Greatly enlarged." From Salmon and Stiles
(1901).
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc.
those of the adult. The entire surface, shining and with fine reticulations or
striae which are continuous over depressed areas which are the counterpart of
discs. These disc areas lack spines.
Spines. — Spines conspicuous, of two kinds (see figures 7 and 8, B) ; those
with heavier bases confined to an anterior dorsal crescentic area which extends
over the sides and backward to a short distance in front of the spiracle and is
continuous with the anterior ventral area which reaches posteriorly about to
the anus; the more slender spines occupy the posterior dorsal, lateral and ven-
tral areas not detailed above. The line of demarcation between the two kinds
of spines is definite. Spines absent in the area surrounding the capitulum.
Legs. — Short and heavy. Tarsi II, III, and IV with the subapical dorsal
protuberance absent or very small; absent on I. Length of tarsus I, 0.48; meta-
tarsus, 0.42. Length of tarsus IV, 0.6; metatarsus, 0.6. Hairs on the legs a
little longer than those on the legs of the adults.
Coxae. — Indefinite; trochanters of the legs arise from a circular opening in
the body wall which is modified only by a short, V-shaped sclerite in the usual
position of the coxa.
Spiracle. — Conical.
Folds and Grooves. — Coxal and supracoxal folds are faint or absent in the
nymphs. True grooves are absent.
Capitulum. — Subrectangular, about as broad as long, ventrally tumescent;
surface smooth and shining; a few hairs at the sides in front, and with a group
of short, heavy spines on each side behind.
Hood and Camerostome. — Absent.
Hypostome. — Large, tapering, and with long, sharp denticles arranged 4 4,
with about 8 in each file. Denticles about as large and prominent in basal as
in apical portion, with no fine denticles in the corona. Posthypostomal hairs
absent. Length about 0.36.
FIRST NYMPH
The first nymphal stage is very much like the newly emerged second stage,
but is smaller, has more slender legs and the hypostome measures only 0.195.
Posthypostomal hairs absent. (See also Brumpt [1936] p. 648).
LARVA
Unfed larva measures 0.66 from tip of hypostome to posterior extremity.
Body oval; two pairs of hemispherical, ocellus-like eyes present. Integument
thin, striated, and with a few bristle-like hairs arranged symmetrically. Capitu-
lum visible in both dorsal and ventral views; hypostome and palpi very long.
Hypostome with the denticles arranged -/■_>. Palpi with articles 2 and 3 about
equal and with 1 and 4 short. Legs long; stalk of pulvillus long; pulvillus
26
American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1
small. Fed larva much distended, broader in front; the capitulum also dis-
tended as a conical anterior projection. Length 4.00, width 2.5.
Salmon and Stiles (1901), p. 410, state:
Some of our specimens of this species show a pupa-like stage. They are about 4 mm.
Fig. 9. Otobius megnini (Duges). A, larva, dorsal view. B, larva, ventral view. C,
Capitulum, dorsal view. D, Capitulum, ventral view. From Salmon and Stiles (1901).
Cooley & Kohls: Argasidae of N. America, etc. 27
long by about 2 mm. broad, rounded, white pyriform structures with one end elongate. . .
We have not seen this stage alive, but from the general structure it is apparent that
in changing from the hexapod to the octopod stage O. megnini passes a resting pupa-like
stage. This is by no means surprising, since the differences between the hexapod and the
octopod stages of the Argasidae are far greater than those between the corresponding
stages of the Ixodidae. This is apparently the stage which Townsend (1893) interpreted
as an egg.
Brumpt (1936), p. 647, gives the following:
From the cat (693 XV) I collected two types of nymphs (1st and 2d. n.). The
engorged nymphs in the last stage dropped on the 38th day.
The last molt, which produces the adults, is effected in the exterior environment.
From the hexapod larva to the adult according to me there certainly are three molts and
not two as claimed by others.
In February, 1940, many larvae of megnini from females, Douglas, Ari-
zona, 16128, were placed in the ears of rabbits and soon engorged. Some of
the engorged larvae were removed and held for molting while others were left
attached. Fourteen days after the rabbit was infested with larvae, a comparison
was made of the nymphs resulting from the engorged larvae removed from the
host and the nymphs that were now present on the rabbit. The two nymphs
were found to be distinctly different, showing that the nymphs on the host had
undergone a molt; thus our findings are in conformity with those of Dr.
Brumpt. The hypostome of the first nymph measured 0.195, the coxae were
smaller, and the legs not as heavy. The hypostome of the second nymph meas-
ured 0.33, the coxae were larger, and the legs heavier.
Otobius megnini has only three molts in its development from egg to adult
1 larval and 2 nymphal stages. The larva becomes very large during its
feeding and is what was spoken of as the "pupa-like stage" by Salmon and
Stiles (1901, p. 410). Whether nymph 1 ever feeds is not evident.
Nymph 2 is the stage usually seen and from it has arisen the name
"spinose ear tick." This stage is small when it emerges but during its pro-
longed feeding it becomes very large and it appears that its striated integument
is correlated with its phenomenal extensibility. When ecdysis takes place there
is a complete change of character of the integument, the spines are lost and
the large hypostome is replaced by a vestigial one.
The adult does not feed.
HOSTS
O. megnini appears to be largely restricted to domestic animals and most
of the records are from cattle and horses. Other animals known to be attacked
include mules, asses, sheep, goats, hogs, dogs, cats, coyotes, deer, mountain
sheep (Oris canadensis) , cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), jackrabbit (Lepus
californicus walla walla), and ostrich. There are several records of occurrence
of nymphs in the ears of man.
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