Showing papers in "Australian Journal of Entomology in 1980"
TL;DR: On artificial medium Spodoptera litura (F.) adults developed from first instar larvae in 23.4 days at 28°C and eupyrene and apyrene sperm were present in approximately equal amounts.
Abstract: On artificial medium Spodoptera litura (F.) adults developed from first instar larvae in 23.4 days at 28°C. Mean female longevity was 8.3 days and mean fecundity was 2673 eggs. Mean male longevity was 10.4 days. No mating took place on the night of emergence and maximum mating response occurred during the second night after emergence. The mean number of matings per male was 10.3 and per female was 3.1. Males transferred a mean of 1,052,640 sperm per mating and eupyrene and apyrene sperm were present in approximately equal amounts. Both sperm types persisted in the utriculus of the spermatheca throughout the life of the female but no sperm were ever found in the lagena. The morphology of the male and female reproductive systems is described. Copyright
63 citations
TL;DR: Four species of Diptera and 12 species of Hymenoptera were recorded as parasites and evidence was obtained that at least 19 species of insect, five species of spider and house mice were predators of Heliothis spp.
Abstract: Four species of Diptera and 12 species of Hymenoptera were recorded as parasites and evidence was obtained that at least 19 species of insect, five species of spider and house mice were predators of Heliothis spp. A further 12 species of predaceous insect and three species of spider were also common in unsprayed cotton. Data are presented on consumption of Heliothis eggs and small larvae by various insects and spiders in petri dishes.
45 citations
TL;DR: First and second instar larvae of the above species along with those of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), Chrysomy varipes ( Macquart),rysomya saffranea (Bigot), Chrysosomya nigripes Aubertin and first instars larvae of two species of sarcophagid are described, illustrated and compared with each other by means of keys.
Abstract: Eggs of Calliphora augur (Fabricius), Calliphora stygia (Fabricius), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) and Australophyra rostrata (Robineau-Desvoidy) are described and illustrated in detail by scanning electron micrographs.
First and second instar larvae of the above species along with those of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), Chrysomya varipes (Macquart), Chrysomya saffranea (Bigot), Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin and first instar larvae of two species of sarcophagid (Trieholioproctia sp. and Parasarcophaga crassipalpis) are described, illustrated and compared with each other by means of keys. Particular attention is paid to the morphology of the pharyngeal skeleton and distribution of spines and, in the second instar larvae, to the morphology of the posterior spiracles and the number of processes on the anterior spiracles in addition to the characters mentioned previously.
31 citations
TL;DR: A discussion is presented dealing with the constitution of the family Colydiidae, and Rhi:oiliunl Sharp is moved from Bothriderinae to ColyDiidae iwrrtuc .sc~di.s.
Abstract: The genera of Gempylodini are reviewed and a key is given to them and to some related tribes of Colydiidae. The following new taxa are described: P.srcrdc.riclc..rras gen. n.. P. uusrrulis sp. n., P. roberrsi sp. n. The following new synonymy and new combinations are proposed within the tribe: Gcwp,r/ode.s Pascoe = Mrc~~c/unops Reitter syn. n.. Munuriu tnivrus (Ollifl) comb. n.. P.sc~irilc~tic/c..stc~.r undrcw~si (Grouvelle) comb. n. The mature larva of P. roh(vt.si is described. with notes on an early instar and pupa. Comparisons are made with other known colydiid larvae. A discussion is presented dealing with the constitution of the family Colydiidae. including a list of genera removed from the family since the publication of the last world catalogue. The following genera and species are moved from Colydiidae to the families and subpamilies indicated: Agkcwus Erichson to Othniidae, Trogocryptinae: Dcwluthrits Sharp to Jacobsoniidae; Laririotus Carter and Zeck to Trogossitidae, Egoliinae; Neofrichus ac~anrhucollis Carter and Zeck to Bostrychidae, Lyctinae. The following new synonymies and new combination are proposed: Larinotus Carter and Zeck = Nehophilus Crowson syn. n.; L. umbilicarus Carter and Zeck = N. hirsutus Crowson syn. n.; Minthru uc~aiirkucollis (Carter and Zeck) comb. n. = Minthew urnisrrongi Vrydagh syn. n. The genera C'craiir/iu.s Champion, Enhjprion Carter, and Miiion,~diir.s Carter are moved from Tenebrionidae to Colydiidae. Colydiinae, Coxelini. Relationships of the Bothriderinae are discussed, and Rhi:oiliunl Sharp is moved from Bothriderinae to Colydiidae iwrrtuc .sc~di.s.
24 citations
TL;DR: In two enclosures near Adelaide, the reptile tick, Aponomma hydrosauri, was reared on the lizard Trachydosaurus rugosits and went through one and three complete life cycles in 18 and 26 months, respectively.
Abstract: In two enclosures near Adelaide. South Australia, the reptile tick, Aponomma hydrosauri, was reared on the lizard Trachydosaurus rugosits. Ticks went through one and three complete life cycles in 18 and 26 months, respectively. Feeding activity continued six months of the year but activity stopped during the cooler months of April to September.
23 citations
TL;DR: A light trap was used to monitor the seasonal distribution and prevalence of mosquito species at Mildura between late 1975 and 1979, and the most common summer species was Cx annulirostris.
Abstract: A light trap was used to monitor the seasonal distribution and prevalence of mosquito species at Mildura between late 1975 and 1979. The most common summer species was Cx annulirostris Populations of Cx annulirostris generally increased from late October until February, and declined in March-April. Population growth appeared to increase when ambient temperatures exceeded 17.5°C, and was usually greatest after temperatures had reached 25°C. The most prevalent of the 12 other species trapped, Cx australicus, was generally most abundant in spring and autumn. The seasonal distribution of mosquitoes is discussed in relation to transmission of arboviruses in the Murray Valley.
21 citations
TL;DR: The results of a study of Cerceris anripodes Smith, an Australian species previously studied briefly by Evans and Matthews (1970), are reported, confirming that females of this species nest communally and discussing how the social organisation of C. antipodes compares with other communal nesters in the genus.
Abstract: Females of Cerceris antipodes nest communally in stable small groups. On any one day there is a rudimentary division of labor with usually only one active provisioner; the other females remain within the burrow and some guard the nest against intruders. The communal nesting behavior of C. antipodes is compared with that of other species of Cerceris. In trod uc tion Communal nesting by solitary wasps deserves attention because primitive forms of sociality may cast light on the origins and evolution of complex eusocial behavior (West-Eberhard 1978). Sphecid wasps of the genus Cerceris usually exhibit the typical solitary nesting behavior of the family but in several species more than one nesting female may occupy the same burrow (Grandi 1961; Tsuneki 1965; Evans and Matthews 1970; Evans el al. 1976; Alcock 1975). 1 report here the results of a study of Cerceris anripodes Smith, an Australian species previously studied briefly by Evans and Matthews (1970) who discovered three females in one nest. 1 shall present data confirming that females of this species nest communally and discuss how the social organisation of C. antipodes compares with other communal nesters in the genus. Methods The wasp was observed in Brisbane Water National Park near Pearl Beach, New South Wales from 4-29 January 1979. Burrows were found in abundance along the edges of dirt roads that cut through the park in areas of low open coastal forest and heathland. A cluster of six burrows located along a 2 m section of roadside were observed for approximately 50 h. primarily between 1100-1500. Each female was captured when seen for the first time, marked on the dorsum of the thorax with a distinctive color dot of enamel paint and released. At the end of the study, three of the six nests were excavated and the resident wasps preserved in 70q:, alcohol for later examination of ovarian condition. Several females from three other nests were collected for the same purpose. Prey items were determined by John Lawrence of CSIRO
20 citations
TL;DR: Treatment of Cryptolestes species in boiling chloral-phenol followed by mounting directly in a modified Berlese's fluid, provides a rapid method of preparation of these insects for identification.
Abstract: Treatment of Cryptolestes species in boiling chloral-phenol, followed by mounting directly in a modified Berlese's fluid, provides a rapid method of preparation of these insects for identification. Photographs of the diagnostic genitalic structures in situ are given for specimens mounted in this way. The setation of the elytra provides a convenient additional character for the separation of the six economic species of Cryptolestes.
20 citations
TL;DR: Keys are provided to adults and last instar larvae of the Australian species Sterhorir and their larvae.
Abstract: The adult and larva of Sterhorir.s,/enPs/rulis sp. n. are described and S. histrio Chazeau recorded from Australia for the first time. S. lo.utoni Britton and Lee is shown to be a synonym of S. nigripes Kapur. Additional information is given for the adults of S. vaguns (Blackburn), S. nigripes and S. hisrrio, and their larvae are described. Keys are provided to adults and last instar larvae of the Australian species.
19 citations
TL;DR: The egg stage of bushfly and the final period of its larval development (up to the development of the pupa within the puparium), were shown to be relatively more sensitive to rainfall than the rest of the pre-adult stages.
Abstract: The paper discusses the ways that rain falling on cattle dung pads may reduce the survival of the pre-adult stages of bushfly (Afusca vetustissima Walker) developing therein.
An experiment exposing infested dung pads to simulated rainfall is described. In this the egg stage of bushfly and the final period of its larval development (up to the development of the pupa within the puparium), were shown to be relatively more sensitive to rainfall than the rest of the pre-adult stages.
The mortalities seen were considerable, and if they reflect general phenomena, may account for the seasonal absence of bushfly from summer rainfall regions of Australia.
19 citations
TL;DR: Augmented descriptions of A. fallacis (Garman), recently introduced to Australia for the biological control of tetranychid mites, are introduced to facilitate comparison with the closely related A. casimiri.
Abstract: Amhlyseius casimiri, A. cabonus, A. sullivani and Typhlodromus armidalensis spp. n., discovered during investigations on the biological control of phytophagous mites in Australia, are described and figured. Augmented descriptions of A. fallacis (Garman), recently introduced to Australia for the biological control of tetranychid mites. A. spinigerus Chant and Baker, and A. anonymus Chant and Baker are given to facilitate comparison with the closely related A. casimiri.
TL;DR: The skeletomusculatures of the sting apparatuses of Nothomyrmecia macrops Clark and several Myrmecia species are described and compared to each other, and to those of other ants and Hymenoptera.
Abstract: The skeletomusculatures of the sting apparatuses of Nothomyrmecia macrops Clark and several Myrmecia species are described and compared to each other, and to those of other ants and Hymenoptera Although Nothomyrmecia is often considered the most primitive living ant, its sting apparatus is more derived than those of Myrmecia and the primitive ponerine Amblyopone Stings of these three genera show no clear derivation from those of other Hymenoptera
TL;DR: Ants associated with mounds of the termite Amitermes laurensis were studied in the Townsville district, Queensland, during the wet season to suggest intra-specific competition and spatial variability of the habitat which affect mound density and colony growth and survival.
Abstract: Ants associated with mounds of the termite Amitermes laurensis were studied in the Townsville district, Queensland, during the wet season. More than 30 ant species are now known from mounds of A. laurensis with up to seven species in a single mound. The great majority of these ants are inquilines, simply using termite mounds as nest sites. At least in the wet season there is little to suggest that they play any significant part in the dynamics of established populations of this termite species. Instead, the most important factors to the termite seem to be intra-specific competition and spatial variability of the habitat which affect mound density and colony growth and survival. Ants compete for mound space not taken up by A. laurensis and the species present and their abundance vary with mound size, the vigour of the termite colony and the presence or absence of competing ant species.
TL;DR: New species are described in each suborder of Opiliones, including Rakaia arcticosa and Acropsopilio australicus, the latter being the first record of the genus from Australia.
Abstract: New species are described in each suborder of Opiliones, including Rakaia arcticosa and Acropsopilio australicus, the latter being the first record of the genus from Australia. Two additional species of Austropsopilio Forster (A. altus and A. inermis) and four new species of Bogania Forster (B. neogranulata, B. distineta, B. exigua and B. advena) are also described. Copyright
TL;DR: Bark sandwich rearings provided strong evidence for pre-emergence mating, the incidence of which increased with the time the mature progeny stayed under bark, and indicated that the adults mate only under bark.
Abstract: Adults of Ips grandicollis caught on ipsenol-baited traps, as well as emergents from logs collected from natural infestations, included a high percentage of mated females. However only eight per cent of the laboratory reared mature progeny had mated. The study indicated that the adults mate only under bark. Bark sandwich rearings provided strong evidence for pre-emergence mating, the incidence of which increased with the time the mature progeny stayed under bark. Sister-brother matings resulted in progeny. Both mated and virgin females were accepted into nuptial chambers by the resident males.
TL;DR: Aggressive and territorial behaviour in adult males of Leptothea galbula (Mulsant), including guarding of female pupae, are recorded for the first time in Coccinellidae.
Abstract: Aggressive and territorial behaviour in adult males of Leptothea galbula (Mulsant), including guarding of female pupae, are recorded for the first time in Coccinellidae.
TL;DR: Pateena, a new genus of Schizopleridae (Hypselosomatinae), is described for two new species, including P. elimata and P. polymitarior, which are described and figured.
Abstract: Pateena, a new genus of Schizopleridae (Hypselosomatinae), is described for two new species. P. elimata (type-species) and P. polymitarior, which are described and figured. The male and nymphs of Hypselosoma hick mani Wygodzinsky are described for the first time and the female redescribed. The iemalc genitalia Ceratocombus australiensis Gross (Ceratocombidae) are described for the first lime. Mouthparts of the preceding species are described and figured. Notes are given on Glyptocombus saltator Heidemann (Hypselosomatinae) and on an undescribed species, probably of Glyplocombus Heidemann. from the United States. The Hypselosomatinae are redefined. A key to the Australian genera of Schizopteridae is presented. Notes are given on the distribution of the Tasmanian Dipsocoroidea.
TL;DR: European blackberry appears to have been introduced into Australia free of its specific insect predators and the possible use of one of these as a biological control agent is mentioned.
Abstract: In Victoria 44 species of phytophagous insects and two species of mites were found to attack endemic and introduced Rubus spp. Most insects were polyphagous and ectophagous and half were of some economic importance to crop plants. Only one host-specific insect was found on endemic Rubus spp. European blackberry appears to have been introduced into Australia free of its specific insect predators and the possible use of one of these as a biological control agent is mentioned.
TL;DR: Eggs, final-instar larvae, pupae and adults of Gonocephalum macleayi (Blackburn), Pterohelaeus darlingensis Carter and P. alternatus Pascoe are described and illustrated and compared with each other and with larvae and adults from northern New South Wales by means of identification keys.
Abstract: Eggs, final-instar larvae, pupae and adults of Gonocephalum macleayi (Blackburn), Pterohelaeus darlingensis Carter and P. alternatus Pascoe are described and illustrated. They are compared with each other and with larvae and adults of Saragus magister Pascoe from northern New South Wales by means of identification keys.
TL;DR: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot was discovered near Sydney in December 1978 in association with Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Tetranychidae).
Abstract: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Phytoseiidae) was discovered near Sydney in December 1978 in association with Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Tetranychidae) on commercial strawberries. It is the first time that this species has been recorded in Australia.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effect of regurgitate on a range of potential predators, including ants, spiders, and ants, using mealworms as a standard prey.
Abstract: etl'ective deterrent to some potential predators. The acridid, Goniutu sp., produces a viscous regurgitate when disturbed. This has been found to be an ~ -~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~ ~. ~ Most Orthoptera regurgitate when handled. This has sometimes been explained as a defensive adaptation (Freeman 1968; Eisner 1970), but little experimental evidence is available. We have examined the effect. on a range of potential predators, of the regurgitate from an undescribed species within the acridid genus Goniaea. Several species of Goniaeu occur in Eucalyprus and Banksia woodland around Perth. Western Australia. The animal we used may be distinguished from other local species by its very high and smooth pronotal ridge.* A number ofsimplechemical tests were performed on fresh regurgitate obtained from recently captured fourth- and fifth-instar grasshoppers. pH was determined using a range of indicator dyes. For paper chromatographic studies the regurgitate was hydrolysed with lo:$ aqueous H,SO, or conc. HCI. Papers were developed in butanol-acetic acid-water (80:4: 17). Substrate film techniques (Pearse 1972) were used to detect the presence of enzymes. The nature of the enzymes was further studied by disc electrophoresis. Twenty-eight per cent polyacrylamide gels were used in a glycine bulier of pH 8.3. A current of2 mA pcr gcl was applied lbr4 h. Proteins were located by staining with coomassie blue. The regurgitate varies in colour from light yellow to dark brown. It is quite viscous when produced. The initial water content is high (mean = 75.79%. SE = 2.53, n = 12). Upon exposure to air, hardening occurs through the evaporation of water. In the laboratory at a temperature of 28.5' C and 52:,, RH a small drop of regurgitate (I0 mg) dried to a solid film in 15.75 min (SE = 1.3 I, n = 5). Paper chromatography indicated the presence of substantial quantities of protein and smaller amounts of carbohydrate. Proteases, esterases and amylases were detected in the regurgitate and electrophoretic studies suggested that several trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like enzymes were present (cf. Freeman 1967). The regurgitate is acidic (pH = 4.9, SE = 0. I, n = 6). These data suggest that the regurgitate derives directly from the crop, as appears to be the case in other acridids (Freeman 1968). Both adult and nymphal Gonirrra feed principally on Eurdjptus leaves. Fresh leaves are eaten in the laboratory but in the field the younger instars probably eat mainly dry leaf litter. We have made numerous observations of predator-prey interactions in the laboratory. Grasshoppers at all stages ofdevelopment have been enclosed in arenas with a variety of potential predators (Table I). When seized, grasshoppers invariably regurgitated. Although this had no effect on the larger predators, it appeared to repel the skinks in 332, of the interactions observed, the lycosid spiders in 202, and the ants in 802,. To obtain a quantitative assessment of the etfectiveness of regurgitation in repelling predators we used mealworms as a standard prey (see Morrow et a/. 1976). Predators were presented with both normal and treated prey; treated mealworms were smeared in a uniform manner with fresh regurgitate obtained from fifth-instar grasshoppers. Each mealworm given to a predator was scored as accepted, when it was attacked and killed. or rejected when the predator, on encountering the prey, drew back in a characteristic rejection posture. After one rejection the mealworm was removed with minimum disturbance to the predator. Mealworms were removed after 10 min if the predator evinced no interest in them; these aborted trials have been excluded from analysis. Predators were tested separately. For each individual predator, prey size was standardised to within 2 mm in length. Treated and untreated prey were presentcd to a predator in random sequence. No predator received more than five consecutive trials on any one day. Of the predators listed in Table I only Hemiergis, Camponorus and lycosids ever rejected any of the mealworms with which they were presented. The results for these species are shown in Table 2. When Hemiergis and Camponatus were repelled they made extensive cleaning movements. often rubbing their mouthparts along the floor of the arena. It appears that the regurgitate of Goniueu is effective in repelling small potential predators in the laboratory. Our impression is that the basis of this effectiveness is in the mechanical entangling propertles of the regurgitate; it adheres to the mouthparts of small predators. Thus, it is likely that regurgitation in Goniaeu (and other acridids) has a defensive function, although its survival value in a natural situation remains untested. Acknowledgments
TL;DR: The male genitalia of all species of Acrodipsas are described and figured and proposed for seven species of Lycaenidae from eastern Australia.
Abstract: Acrodipsas gen. n. is proposed for seven species of Lycaenidae from eastern Australia, including A. melania and A. hirtipes spp. n. Keys to the genera Pseudodipsas C. & R. Felder, Paralucia Waterhouse and Turner, and Lucia Swainson and to the species of Acrodipsas are presented. The male genitalia of all species of Acrodipsas are described and figured.
TL;DR: The observed number of adults and nymphs was poorly correlated with the climatic factors recorded and this finding has implications with respect to pest population assessment and the optimum time of day for the application of contact insecticides for control.
Abstract: During investigations into the behaviour of Nezara viridula (L.) on soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) at Emerald, Queensland in 1976, up to 87% of adults and nymphs present in a crop moved to the surface of the canopy each morning and remained there for a period before returning into the crop. The observed number of adults and nymphs was poorly correlated with the climatic factors recorded (r2= 0.32 for time of day, temperature and humidity). This finding has implications with respect to pest population assessment and the optimum time of day for the application of contact insecticides for control.
TL;DR: Laboratory data show that at short daylength (11 L: 13D) the development of nymphs of Chortoicetes terminifera is delayed at the third nymphal instar, and the effects of short day length are enhanced by low temperatures.
Abstract: Laboratory data show that at short daylength (11 L: 13D) the development of nymphs of Chortoicetes terminifera is delayed at the third nymphal instar. No delay in development occurs at photoperiods of 12i L: 1 li D or 15i L:8i D. The effects of short daylength are enhanced by low temperatures and are more marked in nymphs hatching from non-diapausing eggs than in those from diapause eggs laid by the same parents. The former normally hatch before the onset of winter whereas in the latter the diapause mechanism normally prevents hatching until spring. Hitherto the slow development of overwintering nymphs has been attributed solely to the effects of low temperature.
TL;DR: Cocoon formation by muscid larvae before pupation is commoner than is usually thought, and cocoons of three species in different media are illustrated.
Abstract: Cocoon formation by muscid larvae before pupation is commoner than is usually thought. Notes are given on 29 species known to make cocoons. Cocoon construction by Gymnodia ruficornis (Malloch) is described, and cocoons of three species in different media are illustrated.
TL;DR: Two new, probably exotic, species of aphidiid parasites of aphids are described and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) is recorded for the first time from Australia.
Abstract: Two new, probably exotic, species of aphidiid parasites of aphids are described: Aphidius pelargonii, parasitic in Acyrthosiphon mahae (Mosley) on Pelargonium spp. in New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia; and Aphidius similis, parasitic in Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), R. nymphaeae (L.), Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and known from all the mainland states. Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) is recorded for the first time from Australia.
TL;DR: The variation was assessed for 11 species of muscoid Diptera and populations of the five calliphorid species were analyzed in greater detail, and nine morphometric characters of the wing were used.
Abstract: Canonical variate analysis and the generalized distance D2 statistic are useful ways of analyzing within and between variation in species. Little attempt has been made previously to quantify and assess the variation in calyptrate Diptera other than in descriptive terms. In this study, the variation was assessed for 11 species of muscoid Diptera and populations of the five calliphorid species were analyzed in greater detail. Nine morphometric characters of the wing were used. Most of the variance (93%) fell in the first three canonical variates for the species comparison, and emphasised shape attributes, although size was important. In particular, the position of vein R1, humeral vein h, and the discal cell suggested that the sarcophagid flies formed an intermediate group between the calliphorid and muscid flies examined. Size components were more important than shape components within species, and these differences between populations could not be related to a geographic cline.
TL;DR: The importance of Stethorus spp.
Abstract: The importance of Stethorus spp. in controlling Tetranychus urticae Koch, was studied over three seasons in peach orchards in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. In the early maturing cultivar (Riley), Stethorus spp. reduced the need for acaricide applications when less insecticide was used for the control of Cydia molesta Busck. Three species of Stethorus occurred, S. vagans Blackburn being the most abundant. No insecticide was required for the control of C. molesta between mid-October and early January provided adequate spraying was carried out in early spring and just before harvest.
TL;DR: No significant differences were found in the developmental period of larvae and pupae or in the size of adults emerging from the cultivars studied, but significant correlations were found between the number of viable eggs per plant and leaf hairiness, stem diameter and internode length.
Abstract: Fifteen entries representing thirteen cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris were evaluated for nonpreference and antibiosis resistance to Ophiomyia phaseoli. The number of viable eggs per plant exhibited significant variation amongst the cultivars studied. No significant differences were found in the developmental period of larvae and pupae or in the size of adults emerging from the cultivars studied. Significant correlations were found between the number of viable eggs per plant and leaf hairiness, stem diameter and internode length. Low egg counts were associated with high leaf hair density, thin stems and long intemodes. Copyright
TL;DR: Saliva from engorged female cattle ticks contains a prostaglandin as well as a second smooth muscle contracting component that is more likely that it is produced by the tick and functions in the establishment and maintenance of the feeding lesion or has a physiological role within the tick.
Abstract: Saliva from engorged female cattle ticks contains a prostaglandin as well as a second smooth muscle contracting component. Both active components are present also in the saliva, salivary glands and haemolymph of partly-engorged females, whereas the gut does not contain the prostaglandin. The levels of total smooth muscle contracting activity in feeding female ticks reach a maximum just prior to final engorgement, and are unaffected by the reproductive status of the female. No significant relationship was evident between the levels of total smooth muscle contracting activity in the tick and the levels of previous tick experience of the host.
The results indicate that the prostaglandin is not dependent on the immune status of the host and that it is not of host origin. It is more likely that it is produced by the tick and functions in the establishment and maintenance of the feeding lesion or has a physiological role within the tick. The identity and role of the second component are unknown.