The laboratory rearing of Amblyomma sparsum Neumann, 1899

Abstract

The successful rearing of Amblyomma sparsum, using rabbits as larval and nymphal hosts and either sheep or tortoise for feeding adults, is described and details of the duration of the various stages are given. The life cycle of this tick is compared with that of A. variegatum and A. nuttalli.The authors are grateful to the Director of the Coryndon Memorial Museum, Nairobi, for the loan of a Leopard Tortoise, and to the Directors of the East African Veterinary Research Organization and of the Veterinary Services, Kenya, for permission to publish this note.