Field Biology and Environmental Relationships of the Gulf Coast Tick in Southern Georgia*

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Abstract
Methods used in studies to elucidate the biology and relationship of Amblyomma maculatum in nature are descr. Eggs are deposited on the ground and usually hatch 3-6 weeks later. Larval incidence is greatest during the fall. Larvae engorge in 31/2-7 days. Incidence of nymphs on meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) is greatest during the spring. They engorge in 41/2-7 days. Ground-inhabiting birds and small mammals are hosts of the immature stages. The meadowlark is the principal host. Attachment occurs exclusively on the head and neck. Engorged forms wedge themselves between parts of plants, above the ground, to molt. Quiescent forms are glued in place by a wax-like body secretion which also renders them resistant to desiccation. Adults remain inactive on the base of plants in the spring. Host-seeking activity is greatest during the summer. The ear-reflex of hosts cause adults to attach almost exclusively inside the pinna. Males remain attached 6-7 days before copulating. They are stimulated to sexual activity by crawling ticks. After copulation, [male][male] usually reattach in the same position with respect to the [female] as in copulation. Copulation is essential to normal engorgement. Females that have been attached 2 or more days before copulation require 4-6 additional days to engorge. Those that mate on the day of attachment engorge in 6-8 days. Adult infestation may cause a jelly-like exudation on which screwworm flies oviposit. All active stages are adversely affected during dry-periods.

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