Observations on the structure and histology of the female genital system of the cattle tick Boophilus annulatus (Say).

Female genital system of Boophilus annulatus was examined grossly on the day of drop-off from the host and grossly and microscopically on 4th day. It consists of an ovary, 2 oviducts, a common oviduct, a connecting tube, a seminal receptacle, a vagina divided into cervical and vestibular parts, 2 accessory glands and Gene's organ. The ovary oocytes undergo excessive growth during the 4 days after drop-off from the host. Oocytes accumulate eosinophilic material during growth and undergo histological changes similar to those seen in other ixodid ticks. Further ultrastructural studies are required to understand the vector capacity of this species in transmitting disease agents.