Changes in the Cuticle of the Female Lone Star Tick1 during Engorgement3

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Abstract
The integument of adult Ixodidae is of 2 types. One, a hardened covering over the legs, scutum, and mouthparts, forms the skeletal base for attachment of muscles; this cuticle does not change during engorgement and comprises the major dorsal covering of the male. The 2nd type occurs primarily on the female idiosoma. It can expand to accommodate the large increase in body volume that occurs during engorgement of females.