Reproductive parameters of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato under controlled conditions

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is an ectoparasite of importance for both animal and public health. Purpose: The objective of this study was to establish a colony of R. sanguineus under laboratory conditions in order to characterize its biological cycle and its reproductive parameters while parasitizing the alternative host most frequently used as experimental model. Methods: Adult ticks were collected in veterinary clinics in the Veracruz-Boca del Rio metropolitan area between November 2020 and November 2021 and a rabbit model was used as host under controlled conditions (28°C ± 2°C and 80% ± 10% relative humidity). Results: The biological cycle had a mean duration of 72.5 days (range 43 to 94 days). The larval feeding period ranged from 2 to 8 days. The larva-nymph molting period was between 3 and 5 days. Nymphal feeding time was 4 to 8 days. The molt from nymph to adult took 8 to 22 days. The adult feeding phase required 6 to 9 days with a mean of 6.9 days. The oviposition period needed from 3 to 19 days. The mean egg mass weight was 50.7 mg. The mean percentage of oviposited weight was 58.5%. The mean of number of eggs obtained per tick was 901.2. An average of 693.0 viable larvae per tick was obtained. The hatching rate of the egg mass was estimated at 72.1%. Conclusion: It is concluded that, under this laboratory conditions, R. sanguineus reproductive parameters for developing its biological cycle in a rabbit model can favor research under these controlled conditions.