Genetic variation in the body weight of ticks of the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus/zambeziensis complex |
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Authors: | G WOUTERS D BERKVENS A F GOMES† |
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Institution: | Institute of Tropical Medicine, Division of Animal Health, Antwerp, Belgium. |
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Abstract: | Sixteen strains of ticks of the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus/zambeziensis complex were created by cross-breeding for one to three generations. The body-weights of adult male ticks of these consanguineous lines were compared. A significant genetic variation was distinguished between the groups. Three classes whose mean weights varied around, respectively, 2, 3 and 4 mg/adult male tick, were found. This variation in weight may be explained by hybridization between R. appendiculatus Neumann and R. zambeziensis Walker, Norval & Corwin. Hybrid ticks were undersized whereas R. appendiculatus and R. zambeziensis groups had significantly higher weights. |
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Keywords: | Rhipicephalus zambeziensis Rhipicephalus appendiculatus strain differences body weight species interference |
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