Resumen

GARCIA, María E et al. Natural behavior of non-parasitic stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (LATREILLE, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) in a canine bioterio in Venezuela. Rev. Cient. (Maracaibo) [online]. 2007, vol.17, n.6, pp.566-571. ISSN 0798-2259.

This study determined poblational fluctuations of all non-parasitic forms in each developmental stage of Rhipicephalus sanguineus between October 2000 and September 2001. Through monthly sampling, all ticksfound in each identified area of the kennel at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, college of Veterinay Sciences, Maracay, Venezuela. A total of 16,065 specimens of R. sanguineus in all developmental stages were collected: 5,981 larvae, 7,378 nymphs, 796 adult and 1.916 females; the highest was found inside the dog as well outside the dog cage. The area between wall and floor had the highest number of specimens (6,830), followed by the area of holes and cracks (6,068); both showed prevalence of nymphs. Statistical analysis on developmental stage and internal environment was a significative association (P<0.05) only for males, indicating that the area affected the presence this stage. The largest populations of the ticks were found inside the cages in August, September, January and July and outside of them in December. Statistical tests showed significative differences in the internal environment for the presence of larvae, nymph and male stages, but not for female. In the external environment, ticks were scarcely present (21) being the females the most collected specimen (12). There was no significant effect (P<0.05) of external environment on the presence of females. Applying correlation tests between different stages and internal temperature, significant differences were found (P<0.05). Regarding humidity, there was only statistical significant differences for males found in holes and cracks (P<0.05). These results confirm R. sanguineus adaptability to urban buildings and its high rate of reproduction in internal and external microhabitats, both being affected by environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature.

Palabras clave : Rhipicephalus sanguineus; biology; non-parasitic forms.