Induction of adult tick molting by ecdysoids

ABSTRACT

The fed female argasid tick Argas [Persicargas] arboreusmolts when topically applied with 1 micro g ecdysterone, inokosterone or cyasterone per tick. This is not observed in case of the female ixodid tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus even at 100 micro g amount per tick. This is suggested to be due to a difference in specific genetical instruction in their epidermal cells and also to a complementary state of their neurosecretions