[Influence of aggregation on the molting process of Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions].

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the influence of different aggregations on the molting process of the nidicoulus ticks, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. Tick-naïve domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used as experimental hosts for the parasitic phase. All free-living phases were kept into 4.5 mL glass vials in incubators at 27+/-1 degrees C, 80+/-15% relative humidity and scotophase. The periods of pre-molt, molt, percentage of ecdisis and molting pattern of larvae and nymphs were studied. A total of 1560 engorged larvae and nymphs were divided in six groups of aggregations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ticks with ten repetitions. The molting of nymphs and adults were observed daily. The percentage of ecdysis was the only parameter with no statistical difference among the groups (p>0.05). All others parameters were statisticaly different (p<0.05). The results suggested that highest aggregations accelerate the molting process of H. leporispalustris. We recommended the following aggregations: 4.4 ticks/ml for scientific research and less than 7.7 tick/ml for ticks maintenance.