[The ecology of hungry larvae of Dermacentor reticulatus and their relation to food hosts under natural conditions].

Peculiarities of activation and regularities of spatial and temporary spread of hungry larvae of D. reticulatus from the progeny of one female were studied. Activation of larvae occurs within 16 to 20 days. Under natural conditions the activation of approximately 5 to 15% of potential number of individuals produced by a single clutch takes place. A larval aggregation occupies a territory of several square metres and survives about a month. Larvae from two and more clutches feed simultaneously on small mammals. Individual larvae from the progeny of one female usually feed on one animal. The spread of larvae by the hosts occurs apparently within the limits of some hectares.