Cold hardiness of the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Date
1997
Authors
VanDyk, John K.
Major Professor
Advisor
Rowley, Wayne A.
Committee Member
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Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the cold hardiness of different I. scapularis life stages (larvae, nymphs and adults), (2) to document the effect of engorgement on tick survival at low temperatures, and (3) to investigate the effect of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme Disease, on the cold tolerance of nympal ticks. Differential survival of ticks in different life stages or states of engorgement could have an important effect on seasonal dynamics of I. scapularis. In addition, a strong infection effect on tick overwintering survival would introduce a new factor to be taken into account in developing a more complete current understanding of the endemic cycle of spirochete transmission.
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thesis