Sites of attachment and density assessment inAmblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) on nursing beef calves

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Abstract
Primary attachment sites of male, female, and nymphalAmblyomma americanum (L.) on nursing beef calves were the axillary, inguinal and perianal areas of the body. About 50% of all larvae fed on the ears. A density assessment method which uses the number ofA. americanum on ≤5 body areas to predict the total number of ticks (tick burden) on the left side of a calf is presented. Estimates of tick burden for male, female, nymphal and larvalA. americanum each require examination of the axillary, inguinal, and perianal body areas. In addition, to estimate larval and maleA. americanum, the neck, dewlap and brisket require examination as do the ears for estimates of nymphs and larvae. Mean tick burden in a herd of calves can be estimated by an examination of from 14 to 100% of all calves depending on the level of precision required for the estimate.