Abstract
Guanine is the major excretory product of the 3rd-instar nymph and adult of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus. It comprises 59.2–97.3% of excreta weight and 70.0–100.0% of the nitrogen excreted. Hematin constitutes 1.2–8.6% of excreta weight and 0.23–1.45% of the nitrogen excreted. No excreted proteins or amino acids were detected. Not all ingested nitrogen and hematin is excreted during active digestion. Excretion occurs in a definite cycle with maximum quantity produced 3 or 4 days after feeding. In the nymph, excretion stops almost completely 4 or 5 days before molting to the adult, and resumes thereafter. The excretory rhythm does not change seasonally but quantities vary in different seasons.

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