Techniques for Testing the Attachment and Feeding Rate of Mites on Living Hosts1

Abstract
Hosts were anesthetized and the hair or feathers removed from an area approximately 0.5 inch in diameter. After the area was thoroughly moistened, a given number of chiggers were applied to the area. By this method a total of 88% of Trombicula splendens remained attached to a white rat, compared to 58.9% of Trombicula alfreddugesi. Blood sucking mites of a given number and stage were aspirated into glass tubes (3 x 0.25 inches). These were opened at one end and, by means of a special holding apparatus, lowered to the skin of the host. By this technique, greater number of Bdellonyssus bacoti nymphs engorged faster at 95[degree] than at 85 and 75 .

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: