Lack of parthenogenesis by Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae).
Some reproductive parameters of adult stages of Amblyomma cajennense ticks were studied. The capacity of virgin females to reproduce by parthenogenesis was evaluated, during an experimental infestation, in absence of males, on a horse (Equus cabalus). Ticks were spread either completely free or in limited sites on the body of the animal. The engorged virgin females showed longer feeding periods and lighter body weights than those that had been fertilized. Some of these unmated females produced smaller egg masses, which had no embryonary development. On the other hand, females that had been inseminated produced larger egg masses, with normal embryonary development that led to viable larvae. Under the studied conditions, A. cajennense females did not reproduce by parthenogenesis.
de Freitas
Carolina M V
CM
Laboratório de Ectoparasitoses, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Leite
Romário C
RC
Lopes
Cristina M L
CM
Rodrigues
Daniel S
DS
Paz
Gustavo Fontes
GF
de  Oliveira
Paulo R
PR
D000818:Animals; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000469:parasitology; D026863:Ixodidae / Q000502:physiology*; D010312:Parthenogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D012746:Sexual Abstinence