Observations on successive infestations of the rabbit host by the ticks Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. zambeziensis (Acari: Ixodidae).

Successive infestation of the rabbit host by instars of the brown ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus resulted in a progressive decline in engorgement and egg weights of adult instars and a reduction in percentage recovery of nymphs and larvae. Repetitive infestation with adults and larvae resulted in increased skin hypersensitivity reactions at the attachment site. Successive infestation with R. zambeziensis caused a more significant decline in engorgement and egg weights of adults than for R. appendiculatus. Percentage recoveries of larvae and nymphs were also significantly reduced. A cross-infestation study indicated that R. appendiculatus and R. zambeziensis share antigenic moieties.