The drop-off rhythms of the engorged larvae and nymphs of Ixodes nipponensis Kitaoka et Saito (Acari : Ixodidae) fed on albino mice

Abstract

The drop-off rhythms of engorged Ixodes nipponensis larvae and nymphs on albino mice were observed in a 14L-10D photoperiod. The engorged larvae and nymphs on mice exhibited a diurnal drop-off rhythm. The drop-off rhythm on mice was the same as that on the lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides. This suggests that the drop-off rhythms of the engorged larvae and nymphs are not affected by the physiology and daily activity of host animals.