Ixodoidea, or Ticks 



63 



spiracles are very small ; coxae unarmed ; tarsi without ventral spurs , 

 and the pulvilli are absent or rudimentary. 



In habits and life history the Argasidas present striking characteris- 

 tics. In the first place, they are long-lived, a factor which counts for 

 much in the maintenance of the species. They are intermittent 

 feeders, being comparable with the bed-bug in this respect. There are 

 two or more nymphal stages, and they may molt after attaining matu- 

 rity. The female lays comparatively few eggs in several small batches . 



NuttaU (19 11) concludes that "The Argasidae represent the rela- 

 tively primitive type of ticks because they are les3 constantly para- 



46. Argus persicus. Dorsal and ventral aspects. (X 4) . After Hassell. 



sitic than are the Ixodidae. Their njTnphs and adults are rapid 

 feeders and chiefly infest the habitat of their hosts. * * * Owing 

 to the Argasidae infesting the habitats of their hosts, their resistance 

 to prolonged starvation and their rapid feeding habits, they do not 

 need to bring forth a large progeny, because there is less loss of life 

 in the various stages, as compared with the Ixodids, prior to their 

 attaining maturity." 



Of the Argasidse, we have in the United States, several species 

 -which have been reported as attacking man. 



Argas persicus, the famous "Miana bug" (fig. 46), is a very widely 

 ■distributed species, being reported from Europe, Asia, Africa, and 

 Australia. It is everywhere preeminently a parasite of fowls. 



