Attempts to Feed Larval Amblyomma maculatum Koch and Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) on Three Different Arthropod Hosts

Ticks occasionally have been found attached to arthropods; however, the frequency and success of such feedings have never been investigated.  This study evaluated whether the larvae of two tick species: Amblyomma maculatum Koch and Amblyomma americanum (L.), can feed on three commonly encountered insects: the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and larvae of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).  Larval ticks and test insects were placed inside clear plastic tubes, and observations made every 24 hours until 72 hours, when the specimen was frozen for closer examination.  This procedure was repeated three times with all three insect species.  In the cricket and fall armyworm experiments, red food coloring was injected to help determine if ticks fed.  Both species of ticks moved towards and crawled upon the insects. One A. maculatum appeared to be attached to a cricket, though attachment could not be confirmed.  Sixteen A. americanum exposed to crickets appeared larger.  These were washed three times with a PBS solution and compared to normal ticks from the same tubes.  Six had a red hypostome and gut, indicating they had fed on the crickets.  Further investigation is needed to confirm laboratory feeding of ticks on arthropod hosts.