Effect of unfed female weight on the biology of Hyalomma (Hyalomma) dromedarii Koch (Acari: Ixodidae).

Unfed female Hyalomma (Hyalomma) dromedarii Koch in 3 different weight groups of 2.4-5.0, 5.3-10.0 and 10.3-14.5 mg, respectively, were investigated for the effect of unfed female weight (UFW) on certain biological parameters. The results showed that the correlation between UFW and the duration of the feeding, preoviposition and oviposition periods varies greatly among the different weight groups and the pooled data. Engorged female and egg mass weights were strongly correlated with UFW of the smallest female group, and the degree of correlations decreased with increase of UFW in the other weight groups. The residual female weight (after oviposition cessation) was strongly correlated with UFW for all weight groups. The egg mass weight was strongly correlated with engorged female weight and the conversion efficiency index was similar for all weight groups. The oviposition pattern for the different weight groups and pooled data appeared similar but peak oviposition values were lacking for the largest female group. The results obviate the necessity of accurate random sampling of the entire tick population or specifying the UFW when studying ixodid biology.