Evidence of a Juvenile-Hormone-Like Compound in the Reproduction of Dermanyssus Gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)1

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Abstract
Fed female Dermanyssus gallinae mites exposed to 2 mg of the antiallatotropic compound precocene 2 (P2) for various periods (24–96 h) and at several concentrations (0.25–4.0 mg) produced fewer progeny than did untreated females. Reproductive capacity was significantly restored in P2-treated females by application of the insect juvenile hormone III (JH III), but not to the full capacity of untreated control females. Although P2 reduced progeny production among treated females and JH III partially restored it, the P2 doses tested were not strong enough to completely stop progeny production. Moreover, the doses of P2 used were not strong enough to permanently damage the tissue producing the putative JH-like gonadotrophic hormone, as shown by the natural reproductive recovery of P2-treated females that were allowed additional feedings and recovery time. Results of this study suggest that a JH-like compound probably functions in egg development in mites.