the subspecies siimis . The posteromedian groove is long and narrow, 

 the paramedian grooves are shorter and widerj these three grooves 

 vary in depth and distinctness from specimen to specimen but are 

 never deep or strikingly apparent. The distribution of large ^ 

 scutal punctations is an important criterion in distingtiishing 

 this tick. On the anterior three-fifths of the scutum, large 

 or moderate size punctations are arranged in four irregular rows 

 of three to six puncations each. On the posterior two-fifths, 

 there are from six to twenty large punctations in one and a half 

 to three irregxilar, closely grouped rows on either side of the 

 posteromedian groove. Scattered about the paramedian grooves 

 are four to eight scattered large punctations. The interstitial 

 punctations are always very shallow but they may vary in dis- 

 tinctness from almost absent to large enough (though still super- 

 ficial) initially to confuse the basic pattern of large puncta- 

 tions as described above. On close examination, however, this 

 pattern is easily discernible. The lateral grooves are usually 

 deep and long. One or three median festoons may protrude when 

 engorged. The average size is that of the largest R. s. simus 

 and the color, while usually jet black, may also be^^brownish, 

 especially in smaller specimens. 



Female ; This sex is difficult to distinguish from that of 

 the subspecies simus , but in general its larger size, similarity 

 of scutal punctation in comparison with that of the male, and 

 its association with the male refers most specimens to the sub- 

 species senegalensis . 



- 759 - 



