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JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 



[Vol. 10 



An examination of Table I shows that copulation took place readily 

 within a day or two after the last molt, and that in six cases egg depo- 

 sition began in from 14 to 42 days after copulation or from 15 to 44 days 

 after the last molt, with the number of ova ranging from 7 to 562. 

 The longest period of oviposition noted M^as 155 days or 189 days 

 after molting. 



Incubation Period 



Unfortunately a careful record of all egg layings was not kept, but 

 the records made in this connection are of interest nevertheless (see 

 Table II). 



Table II. — Showing Incubation Period for Ova of Ornithodorob megnini 



The above table though based on few observations shows that it is 

 possible to secure oviposition during the winter months (November 

 and December) and that the eggs hatch in a room temperature of 

 about 21° C, requiring from 18 to 23 days incubation. 



Longevity of Larv^ 



In a series of experiments in which the larvae were kept in darkened 

 receptacles at room temperature, during the months of November, 

 December and January it was found that the range of longevity was 

 from 19 days, the shortest, to 63 days, the longest, with an average of 

 44 days. This series included seven sets of larvae hatching during a 

 period of 32 days.^ 



Conclusions 



The spinose ear tick, Ornithodoros megnini, enters the ears of both 

 man and beast causing losses particularly in calves. 



Oviposition and emergence of larvae may take place during the winter 

 months, November, December and January, under laboratory condi- 

 tions. It should be borne in mind that under field conditions this takes 

 place during the summer and autumn months. 



The adult female may live 355 days without food in a glass vial at 

 room temperature. 



1 The writer wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. M. H. Ray, a student 

 in parasitology, who deserves much credit for his patience and care. 



