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Spiracular transpiration in ticks: a passive diffusion barrier in three species of Ixodidae (Metastigmata: Acarina)
Author(s) -
Pugh P. J. A.,
Fordy M. R.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb03774.x
Subject(s) - biology , ixodidae , transpiration , arid , tick , diffusion , ecology , zoology , botany , photosynthesis , physics , thermodynamics
In ixodid ticks the morphology of the spiracle, and in particular that of the labyrinth, differs between species. A reduction in transpiration of water vapour by the ‘mutual interference’ effect previously described in Ixodes ricinus (L.) is not significant in many species. Instead, transpiration is retarded by very restricted air movement within the labyrinth and by a high resistance to diffusion generated by numerous small aeropyles. These adaptations may be particularly useful in arid environments.