title: Genetic variation in the body weight of ticks of the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus/zambeziensis complex.
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Tropical Medicine, Division of Animal Health, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wouters
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Gomes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008297:Male; D013987:Ticks / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics*