Hello, is there any study about Ixodidae ticks body size changes during life? I have been looking for information about possible correlation of larvae/nymph/adult body size. Can I measure specimen of larvae or nymph and predict their body size as an adult?
Hi Krzysu,
the body size of adults depends on blood meal taken in previous stage and other enviro factors, I am not sure if prediction will work. Try it.
Hi, thanks for answer. I think about study this issue but first I need this information for current work.
Record body sizes of larvae and nymphs, then rear these to adults and check for any correlation.
I made an attempt to find some correlation between the weight of different tick stages. See my paper "Body weight characteristics of some ixodid ticks..." 1999, on my page in ResearchGate. Best regards.
I'm interested to know why you're asking the question. Is this because there are differences in the survival the ticks of different sizes? Or because being larger means carrying more bacteria and posing more risk to animals and humans? Or is it more of basic science question, which is about understanding physical changes in vectors etc Kate
Igor Uspensky, thanks for this paper, it's interesting.
Kate Bloor, this was basic science question but now I have some ideas in this subject.
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