The capitulum and feeding mechanism of Ixodes hexagonus Leach

Abstract

1. The external structure of the capitulum of Ixodes hexagonus is described in detail, and the differences between it and the closely allied I. cookei are noted.2. The capitulum is divisible into two portions, an extra-basis and basis regions. The former is divided into the hypostomal groove, the labrohypostomal groove and the labro-hypostomal gutter. Internally the basis is divided into dorsal and ventral chambers by the subcheliceral plate. The dorsal chamber houses the chelicerae while the pharynx and the salivary ducts occupy the ventral portion.3. The so-called ‘stylet-like process’ is the anterior prolongation from the basal lobe of the labrum, and forms the mid-rib of a lamella which divides the hypostome into a dorsal salivary channel and a ventral food conduit.4. There are rows of teeth on the internal faces of the anterior fifth of the pharynx. Two series of pharyngeal muscles are present: (i) those having a dorsal attachment to the floor of the salivary chamber, and (ii) those having similar attachments to the subcheliceral plates.5. During feeding the first incision is made by the denticulate apices of the digits and into it the hypostome is then forced. Further cutting by the digits enables the hypostome to penetrate to its base. At the same time the palps splay out. The blood is then drawn up the food conduit by the action of the sucking pharynx. The lower surface of the labrum is produced into a tooth-like projection that fits into a groove of the lower wall of the pharynx. Presumably it functions as a valve to prevent regurgitation of blood. The pharyngeal teeth may function as a supplementary valvular apparatus or else serve for the breakdown of erythrocytes.6. The tissue reaction of a stoat's skin to penetration by the capitulum of I. hexagonus is described.