Host detection by four Australian tick species.
The behavior of 4 tick species in the presence of their dominant host species was examined. Nymphs and adult ticks could locate a host from greater distances than the larvae. Adult Aponomma concolor were able to locate their mammalian host (echidna) from distances greater than 3 reptile-infesting species could locate their hosts. The results suggested that all 4 tick species detect hosts passively, which may be related to the relative scarcity of hosts and their irregular use of refuge sites.
Belan
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School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park.
Bull
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CM
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008297:Male; D009758:Nymph / Q000502:physiology; D012104:Reptiles / Q000469:parasitology*; D004442:Tachyglossidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D013987:Ticks / Q000502:physiology*