Comparative Internal Morphology of Subgenera of Argas Ticks (Ixodoidea, Argasidae). 3. Subgenus Secretargas: Argas transgariepinus White, 1846

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The morphology of the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems of adult Argas transgariepinus White, 1846, the only species in the subgenus Secretargas, is described and compared with that of representative species of the subgenera Argas, Carios, and Chiropterargas. Two pairs of lateral lobes arise from the anterior and posterior ends of the stomach. Five tracheal trunks, arising from the spiracular atrium, supply internal organs with definite tracheae. The structure of the male and female genital organs more closely resembles that of A. (Argas) persicus than of other subgenera, and other evidence from internal morphological criteria suggests that the subgenus Secretargus is closely related to the subgenus Argas.