An experimental infestation of Amblyomma testudinarium Koch larvae (Acarina : Ixodidae) on the lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides (Schlegel) (Lacertilia : Lacertidae)

The feeding and development of Amblyomma testudinan'um Koch larvae on the lizard, Taleydromus tachydromoides (Schlegel) were observed at 24°C under a 16L-8D photoperiod and compared with those of the larvae on mice. The mean feeding periods of the larvae were 13.7 and 5.4 days on the lizards and the mice, respectively, The rnean feeding period on the lizards was significantly longer than that on the mice. However, the molting success of the engorged larvae was 97% or more on both hosts, The mean developmental periods of the engorged larvae were 22.4 and 22.6 days on the lizards and the mice, respectively. The difference in the mean developmental period between the two hosts was not significant, suggesting that the difference in the host suitability between the two hosts is slight, Thus, the reasons why the immature ticks of A. testudinan'um infest more frequently on mammals than on reptiles can not be explained by the difference in the host suitability between the cold-blooded and warm-blooded animals.