A comparison of developmental dynamics of Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabr.) of different geographic origins and their affection by different microclimate.

Developmental dynamics of D. reticulatus ticks of different geographic origins (NE Poland and SW Slovakia) were investigated and compared. A long-term field experiment was conducted in South Moravia in the zone of thermophilic oak forest. Ticks were studied in two different biotopes: in an open grassy area and in deciduous forest. Differences between the tick populations collected in Poland and Slovakia were observed in the duration of developmental cycle and in the outcome of metamorphosis, depending on biotope. The tick development in the open grassy area was more rapid, but with greater losses. The total production of adults was higher in the population originating from Slovakia.