Ultrastructure of Arthropod Sensory Structures: Scanning Electron Microscopy of 'Haemaphysalis' Ticks

摘要

The genus Haemaphysalis was selected to be studied because it is the second largest genus of ticks (plus or minus 150 species) and contains at least 40 species definitely demonstrated to be involved in cycles of viruses, rickettsias, bacteria, and protozoa, and in causing tick paralysis and 'tick worry'. Over 100 species are known in the larval, nymphal, and adult stages. In addition, many 'ancient, intermediate, and modern' groups are recognized in this genus, and a remarkable body of knowledge is available concerning their identity, distribution, host relationships, biology, life cycles, seasonal dynamics, structure, and disease relationships. The aim of the present study was to determine how the scanning electron microscopy can be used to reveal otherwise hidden structural properties of these ticks at the species, group, and subgenus level, changes from the larval to the nymphal to the adult stage, and difference between the two sexes.