An Assembly Pheromone and its Perception in the Tick Amblyomma Variegatum (Acarina: Ixodidae)

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Abstract
Evidence is presented for the existence of an assembly pheromone in the tick Amblyomma variegatum. After feeding for approximately 5 days, male ticks emit a pheromone which attracts unfed males and females and stimulates attachment to the host. The rate of attachment of males is similar in the presence of fed males and extracts of fed males, and more rapid than in control ticks. Females attach more rapidly in the presence of fed-male extracts and do not attach in control ticks. Pheromone detection is an olfactory response. Ticks in which Haller's organs (located on tarsi of leg I) are removed fail to respond to the pheromone. Adults of A. variegatum show a weak response to extracts of fed males of Amblyomma hebraeum.