The life cycle of Rhipicephalus bursa Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877 (Acarina: ixodidae) under laboratory conditions.

The biology of Rhipicephalus bursa has not been thoroughly studied. In the present study R. bursa was bred in the laboratory and its biology worked out.Larvae, nymphs and adult Rhipicephalus bursa ticks were fed on sheep and were held at 28+/-1 degrees C and 89+/-1% relative humidity (RH) in a darkened incubator. The average weight of engorged females was 0.676g (range 0.353-1.128). The average weight of eggs laid by females was 0.344g (range 0.146-0. 554g). The average number of eggs laid was 7527 (range 6263-8860) and this was significantly correlated with the weight of the females. The index of Reproduction Efficiency (number of eggs per g weight of female) was 8469.6. The index of Conversion Efficiency (weight of eggs per weight of female) was 0.5037. Peak daily oviposition, at an average of 840 eggs per female, occurred on the 6th day of oviposition. After Day 6, the rate declined steadily. The average duration of the preoviposition period was 5.1 days (range 4-7 days). The oviposition period averaged 16.5 days (range 12-21 days), and was significantly related to both the weight of the female and the number of eggs laid. The average pre-hatching period was 31.2 days (range 24-45 days). The average feeding time of larvae and nymphs of this two host tick was 15.2 days (range 14-18 days). Female ticks fed for 5.9 days on the average. Heavier nymphs produced females and a shorter premoult period was noted for lighter male nymphs. The males/females ratio was 1.38:1. The time taken to complete the life cycle was on average 142.45 days (range 99-254 days).