Survival of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to cold.

The cold hardiness of Ixodes scapularis Say unengorged larvae, engorged larvae, unengorged nymphs, engorged nymphs, and unengorged adults was evaluated. Ticks were exposed to cold for 2 or 8 h at a range of temperatures. Likelihood ratio tests and LT50 estimates were used to evaluate cold hardiness. Likelihood ratio tests indicated that stage and engorgement effects were significant with the exception of the stage effect between engorged larvae and engorged nymphs. LT50 estimates indicated that unengorged nymphs were the most cold-hardy, followed by engorged nymphs, unengorged adults, and both unengorged and engorged larvae. Sex of adult ticks had no statistically significant effect on cold hardiness. Unengorged larvae and unengorged nymphs were tested for evidence of a cold-hardening response. No larvae or nymphs exposed to a cold pretreatment and subsequent cold treatment displayed rapid cold-hardening.