Dynamics of gas exchange during the development of ixodid ticks. III. Dynamics of respiratory gas exchange in the nymphs of the ixodid tick Hyalomma anatolicum Koch (Acari, Ixodidae) during active development and developmental diapause.

摘要

The dynamics of respiratory gas exchange in engorged nymphs of H. anatolicum were determined for non-diapause development during long-day photoperiods and for developmental diapause during short-day photoperiods, by means of respirometric and microrespirographic methods. The engorged nymphs of both types were similar in oxygen consumption just after their drop-off (460 mCL/g/h). Non-diapausing nymphs were characterized by a V-formed curve of oxygen consumption (with a lowest rate of 112 mCL/g/h), while diapausing nymphs revealed the drop up to a stabilized level of 80 mCL/g/h, which is characteristic of diapause in ticks. The respiratory quotient in both types of nymphs is similar (0.72-0.74). According to respirographic data for individual nymphsof H. anatolicum, respiratory gas exchange is of the continuous type, but is characterized by an alternation of periods with dominance of oxygen consumption and of carbon dioxide expiration.