Ch 48 Arthropods 1c

Question 1

What class do mites and ticks belong to?

Answer 1

Acarina

Acarina is the class that includes both mites and ticks.

Question 2

What is the term for infestation of mites or ticks?

Answer 2

Acariasis

Acariasis refers to the condition caused by infestation of mites or ticks.

Question 3

What type of body structure do ticks have?

Answer 3

Dorsoventrally flattened

This body structure is characteristic of ticks, allowing them to attach to hosts.

Question 4

What is the function of the capitulum in ticks?

Answer 4

Serves as an organ of cutting and attachment

The capitulum is the head structure that aids in feeding.

Question 5

Name the two types of ticks.

Answer 5

• Hard ticks (Ixodidae)
• Soft ticks (Argasidae)

These two types differ in structure and feeding behavior.

Question 6

What are hard ticks known for?

Answer 6

Important vectors of protozoal, bacterial, viral, and rickettsial diseases

Hard ticks can transmit various pathogens to their hosts.

Question 7

What condition can the saliva of some female hard ticks cause?

Answer 7

Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis can affect both animals and humans.

Question 8

Name a species associated with tick paralysis.

Answer 8

• Dermacentor andersoni
• Dermacentor occidentalis
• Ixodes holocyclus
• Dermacentor variabilis

These species are known to cause tick paralysis.

Question 9

What is the covering of hard ticks called?

Answer 9

Scutum

The scutum is a hard, chitinous covering found in hard ticks.

Question 10

What distinguishes soft ticks from hard ticks?

Answer 10

Lack a scutum

Soft ticks do not have the hard covering that characterizes hard ticks.

Question 11

How do female soft ticks behave in terms of feeding and egg-laying?

Answer 11

Feed often and lay eggs off host

This behavior helps them survive in various environments.

Question 12

What is a notable characteristic of soft ticks regarding desiccation?

Answer 12

More resistant to desiccation than hard ticks

This allows soft ticks to survive in arid conditions for years.

Question 13

Name three genera of veterinary importance among soft ticks.

Answer 13

• Argas sp.
• Otobius megnini
• Ornithodoros sp.

These genera are significant in veterinary medicine.

Question 14

What is Argas sp. known for?

Answer 14

Ectoparasites of birds

Argas sp. can transmit bacterial and rickettsial diseases in birds.

Question 15

Where do Ornithodoros sp. typically live?

Answer 15

In sandy soils and shady areas around trees

Their habitat preference affects their interaction with hosts.

Question 16

What disease do Ornithodoros sp. transmit in California?

Answer 16

Agents of foothill abortion

This transmission can impact livestock and wildlife.

Question 17

What is O. megnini commonly known as?

Answer 17

Spinose ear tick

This tick affects housed stock, dogs, and humans.

Question 18

Which stages of O. megnini are parasitic?

Answer 18

Only larval and two of the nymphal stages

These stages are responsible for the parasitic behavior.

Question 19

What dermatologic condition is caused by most parasitic mites?

Answer 19

Mange

Mange is a skin condition resulting from mite infestation.

Question 20

What are the general sizes and shapes of sarcoptiform mites?

Answer 20

Small – grain of salt; bodies – round to oval

Their small size makes them difficult to detect.

Question 21

What feature do sarcoptiform mites have at the end of their legs?

Answer 21

Tiny suckers (pedicels)

These suckers help them attach to their hosts.