Tick rearing studies of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidac) and preparing of its life cycle data at laboratory conditions

Ixodidae family members have got their importance due to their ability to transmit different pathogens to their hosts. There are some losses due to their direct blood feeding that may lead to anemia، tick paralysis and hide damage too. In this study three geographical strains of Hyalomma were collected from fields. They have been reared at laboratory in incubator and on rabbit and sheep for blood feeding. Different characteristics related to their life cycle have been studied and data were put in special tables. Both strains act as two host ticks and species diagnosis was confirmed as H. anatolicum anatolicum. The preovipositon periods were 7 days and 4 days for Eshtehard and Boushehr strains respectively. Minimum durations for whole life cycle under optimal conditions are 100days and 76 days for Eshtehard and Boushehr strains respectively. It has been concluded that these strains could have three and 4. 8 generations per year for Eshtehard and Boushehr strains respectively. Minimum duration for whole life cycle under optimal conditions for Lorestan strain was 75 to 80 days. Starvation tolerance times were 220 and 162 days for adult stages of Eshtehard and Boushehr strains respectively. Total eggs laid for a female tick (Boushehr strain) was (6000±150) and a 0. 07 milligram weight for one egg was calculated.