N. ClJNLIFFE 
381 
were obtained from only two batches of eggs, namely those oviposited 
at the periods beginning at the 118th and 161st days respectively; in 
both cases, the eggs were kept at 30° C. and moistened daily. Nine 
larvae hatched out from the first batch of eggs after 24-27 days and two 
larvae from the second batch after 26 days. 
It was found impossible, owing probably to the small number 
available, to raise these larvae through the nymphal stages. Some 
larvae, although repeatedly placed on a fowl, in some cases for a period 
of two or three days, nevertheless did not become attached. From 
these results, it seems doubtful whether the fowl is a suitable host for 
this .tick. In the case of Argas persicus the nymphal and adult stages 
can be reared on several species of birds and also on mammals, but the 
larvae do not seem to feed on any animal other than the fowl 1 . 
Egg : pale straw colour, semitranslucent, round or almost round, 
and ranging in size from 10 x 0‘8 to 0‘7 x 06 mm. 
Larva (Fig. 1): average size (minus capitulum) 08 x 0 65 nnn., 
hexapod, body oval. Capitulum exceptionally long, about two-thirds 
the body-length. Hypostome : dentition 2/2, with about 22 teeth per 
file. Palps: external border of article I distinctly concave; article 
III curves ventrally round the hypostome. Dorsum : an elongated oval 
reticulated plate covers the middle of the dorsum. There are prominent 
pennate body hairs situated marginally. 
Legs : anterior pair long and stout, normally carried in the forward 
position indicated in the figure (dorsal aspect). Coxae I and II 
contiguous, unlike those of nymph and adult. Pulvillus small (unlike 
that of larva of Argas persicus ; the larva climbs glass with difficulty). 
1 Very little is known regarding the biology of Argas brumpti. Nuttall and Warburton 
(1908) write regarding the habitat of this species: “Dr Brumpt (9. v. 1908) informs 
us that he found A. brumpti in dusty sheltered hollowed out places beneath overhanging 
calcareous rocks, into which opened porcupine (Hystrix sp.) burrows. The ledges of rock 
were situated along the rocky bed of a torrent, and the floors of the hollows, which 
were about 5 ft. deep, consisted of fine dust about 15 cm. in depth, numerous bones 
of small mammalia lying upon it. After A. brumpti had fed, it promptly buried itself in 
the dust. The ticks wander about at night and Dr Brumpt was unable to catch any 
during the daytime.” 
In Feb. 1913, Prof. Nuttall received further information concerning the habitat of this 
tick from Mr S. W. J. Seholefield, who states that he found them in the dust of an antheap 
when looking for big game, in the Yatta Plains, British East Africa. The natives say it 
only feeds on large animals : elephant, buffalo, eland and giraffe ; and that when it bites 
man it causes great pain and sickness. The natives call both A. brumpti and 0. savignyi 
“ Kitufiu.” “A. brumpti is said to be always obtainable in the dust where big game roll.” 
Parasitology vi 
25 
