denticles of hypostome with a small apical "hook" , proximity of 

 sensory organs in the integxnnent, and absence of a definite 

 "peripheral zone" of the integiiment. (Rio Muni, or Spanish 

 Guinea). 



I. vanidicus ; Similar to I. rasus but with anal grooves 

 horse"shoe shaped or circular but not closed posteriorly. (Tanga- 

 nyika to Cameroons). 



IDENTIFICATiaN 



Meiles are characterized by circular anal grooves (see REMARKS 

 above ^, narrow marginal fold beside the scutiun, fairly many to 

 niomerous fine scutal punctations, and short palpi with segments 

 2 and 3 of about equal length. This reddish brovm species is 

 about 2.8 mm. long and 1.8 mm. wide and has a broadly rounded 

 posterior margin. The tarsi axe usually hximped but in some 

 specimens which otherwise conform to this description they are 

 tapering. 



Females also have closed anal grooves. Their scutal puncta- 

 tions are similar to those of males. The hypostome and palpi are 

 long and narrow and the basis capituli ventrally has a large spur 

 (auricula) arising from each latersd margin. The tarsi are either 

 tapering or somewhat humped. 



Note ; As presently considered, any African Ixodes male or 

 fe m ale with circular, closed anal grooves is I. rasus . Within 

 the large amount of material seen in various collections there is 

 considerable variation in most other characters, the significance 

 of which await to be determined by Dr. Arthur. 



- 556 - 



