Niche segregation in reptile ticks: attachment sites and reproductive success of females

Summary

This study examined whether the mating or feeding success of females of two tick species, Amblyomma limbatum and Aponomma hydrosauri, is influenced by their site of attachment on a host. Marked interspecific differences were detected in the preferred sites of attachment of females to their common host, the sleepy lizard Tiliqua rugosa, with Amb. limbatum found predominantly in the ears and on the lower back, while Ap. hydrosauri preferred to attach under the forelimbs and on the midback. Data from field surveys suggested that higher proportions of females were mated in the preferred sites for Ap. hydrosauri, and in one of the preferred sites for Amb. limbatum. However, laboratory and field experiments showed that for both species, the mean time before females were mated, mean engorgement time and mean feeding rate were independent of where they were attached to a host. Four hypotheses were considered as explanations of the observed niche segregation; intespecific competition, avoidance of pheromone jamming or adaptations, to maximize mating and feeding, and minimize physical disturbance. These could not totally explain the observed site specificity in either tick species. Site specificity may represent adaptations by each species to other host species encountered within their distributional range.